What Do They Do With Old Solar Panels?

Against the backdrop of implementing dual carbon strategies globally, the photovoltaic industry has experienced sustained rapid growth in recent years. China has emerged as the world’s largest producer of photovoltaic modules and the foremost adopter of solar power generation. Solar photovoltaic panels possess a finite operational lifespan. In the coming years, a substantial volume of photovoltaic modules will be decommissioned and discarded within China. Provided these discarded modules are managed appropriately, they can be recycled and reused. However, improper handling it could inflict severe negative impacts on the environment. So, how should discarded solar photovoltaic panels be recycled and reused?

There are three primary methods for recycling waste solar photovoltaic panels: Firstly, downgraded use or refurbishment for reuse. Secondly, after dismantling the aluminium frames and junction boxes from the photovoltaic modules, the remaining materials can be used as fillers in the construction sector or for waste incineration. Thirdly, recycling through physical-mechanical methods. Among these, recycling is the most scientifically sound and effective approach.

Solar panel recycling machine

Silicon material from discarded panels, after purification, can be reused in manufacturing new solar panels. Other metals, such as aluminium frames, copper wires, and junction boxes, are also recyclable. Solar panel recycling machine not only mitigates environmental impact from waste but also conserves metallic resources, thereby reducing production costs for new photovoltaic panels. Physical dismantling employs mechanical force to separate waste panels into components including aluminium frames, glass, silicon, copper, and plastics. This method maximises recovery of valuable materials within the panels. Solar panel dismantling machinery first removes the aluminium frames. Tempered glass is then separated using glass removers. The backsheets undergo crushing and sorting processes to break down the panels. Materials such as silicon, copper, and plastics are subsequently extracted. The entire solar panel recycling machine operates fully automatically. Multi-stage crushing and sorting processes further enhance recovery rates, minimising resource wastage. The production line is equipped with dust extraction systems, significantly reducing environmental pollution and complying with relevant environmental standards.

With the continuous development of the solar industry, the recycling and processing of waste photovoltaic panels will become a vital industrial chain. In the future, as technology advances and recycling costs decrease, the recovery of waste solar photovoltaic panels will become increasingly economical and efficient. Governments and enterprises will also increase investment and support for waste solar recycling, driving sustainable development and environmental protection.

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