End of life silicon based photovoltaic panels: A review

Abstract

Solar energy is a clean renewable energy source. During the electricity production, photovoltaic systems do not generate any waste or toxic emissions. However, if this industry is to truly present a sustainable solution it must account for the photovoltaic solar panels’ end-of-life phase. According to the already installed PV panels and its predicted growth, the amount of waste PV panel is estimated to reach in 2050, 78 million tons. Different researches showed the necessity to recover the photovoltaic waste panels and according to the last issue guideline of the European Union (2012/19/EU), the end of life photovoltaic panels are considered as electronic and electric equipment waste. In this review paper, different recent researches interest of recycling photovoltaic panels will be cited. The several components, which constitute silicon based photovoltaic panels, will be presented. These silicon based photovoltaic panels presented are realizing in researcher center of technology of semiconductor for energetic (CRTSE, Algeria). The materials present in the panels can be recovered and reused using specific methods; once their modules reach the end of their life cycle such as: glass and aluminum, as well as semiconductor materials such as silicon, copper. Finally, we will cite 53 different recycling panels industries.