Disposal and recycling of end-of-life PV modules
- UNISUN, Newbury Park, CA (United States)
- Brookhaven National Lab., Upton, NY (United States)
Recycling can be a cost-effective way to dispose of end-of-life PV modules. Recycling is likely economic if key components (e.g., Si wafers and/or glass sheets) can be salvaged intact, or the modules are classified as hazardous under existing environmental regulations. End-of-life PV modules based on thin-film CuInSe{sub 2}, thin-film CdTe, amorphous silicon and crystalline silicon will likely not be classified as hazardous under existing US national regulations; but further testing is required. End-of-life CuInSe{sub 2}, CdTe and crystalline Si PV modules may all be classified as hazardous under more-restrictive state regulations, e.g., in California., In every case, recycling can simplify handling and disposal of end-of-life modules.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 304440
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-970953--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Task 12 PV Sustainability - Human Health Risk Assessment Methods for PV, Part 3: Module Disposal Risks
Life Cycle Inventory of Current Photovoltaic Module Recycling Processes in Europe