Recycling technology of end-of-life photovoltaic panels: a review

Photovoltaic technology is an emerging renewable energy which is expected to shift from traditional fossil energy to renewable and clean energy. The new installed capacity of photovoltaic technology with 39% share is higher than wind with 33% share in 2020. The service life arrival of photovoltaic panels will generate a large amount of solid waste. It is estimated that the amount will reach 1,957,099 tons by 2038. The recycling of photovoltaic panels is the key to realizing waste treatment and utilization of resources. This paper reviewed the recycling technology of end-of-life photovoltaic panels, including the development, types and structure of photovoltaic panels, the removal of EVA, the separation of various components, the removal and extraction of metals, and the purification of Si wafers. In addition, the recycling process of photovoltaic panels was summarized, and the performance of recycled Si wafers was compared, the energy transfer efficiency is about 16%. The types and compositions of photovoltaic panels are constantly changing, and Si wafers and metal components can be enriched in -1 mm by crushing, the crushing separation technology is more suitable for the long-term recycling of photovoltaic panels.