Research and Development Priorities for Silicon Photovoltaic Module Recycling to Support a Circular Economy

Heath, Garvin A.; Silverman, Timothy J.; Kempe, Michael; Deceglie, Michael; Ravikumar, Dwarakanath; Remo, Timothy; Cui, Hao; Sinha, Parikhit; Libby, Cara; Shaw, Stephanie; Komoto, Keiichi; Wambach, Karsten; Butler, Evelyn; Barnes, Teresa; Wade, Andreas

doi:10.1038/s41560-020-0645-2

Research and Development Priorities for Silicon Photovoltaic Module Recycling to Support a Circular Economy

Journal Article · Mon Jul 13 04:00:00 EDT 2020 · Nature Energy

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41560-020-0645-2· OSTI ID:1660161

; Silverman, Timothy J.; Kempe, Michael; Deceglie, Michael; Ravikumar, Dwarakanath; Remo, Timothy; Cui, Hao; Sinha, Parikhit; Libby, Cara; Shaw, Stephanie; Komoto, Keiichi; Wambach, Karsten; Butler, Evelyn; Barnes, Teresa; Wade, Andreas

Large-scale deployment of photovoltaic (PV) modules has considerably increased in recent decades. Given an estimated lifetime of 30 years, the challenge of how to handle large volumes of end-of-life PV modules is starting to emerge. In this Perspective, we assess the global status of practice and knowledge for end-of-life management for crystalline silicon PV modules. We focus in particular on module recycling, a key aspect in the circular economy of photovoltaic panels. We recommend research and development to reduce recycling costs and environmental impacts compared to disposal while maximizing material recovery. We suggest that the recovery of high-value silicon is more advantageous than the recovery of intact silicon wafers. This approach requires the identification of contaminants and the design of purification processes for recovered silicon. The environmental and economic impacts of recycling practices should be explored with techno–economic analyses and life-cycle assessments to optimize solutions and minimize trade-offs. As photovoltaic technology advances rapidly, it is important for the recycling industry to plan adaptable recycling infrastructure.

Research Organization:: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Solar Energy Technologies Office (EE-4S)

DOE Contract Number:: AC36-08GO28308; AC36-08GO28308

OSTI ID:: 1660161

Report Number(s):: NREL/JA-6A20-73091; MainId:7096; UUID:f29a23e2-df16-e911-9c1a-ac162d87dfe5; MainAdminID:15223

Journal Information:: Nature Energy, Journal Name: Nature Energy Vol. 5

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY,SOLAR ENERGY
PV
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photovoltaics
recycling
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techno-economic analysis

Research and Development Priorities for Silicon Photovoltaic Module Recycling to Support a Circular Economy

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