Author details

7. Conclusions

22 Solar Panels and Photovoltaic Materials

were discussed and possible issues were addressed.

innovations in solar cells and modules technologies.

ment prospects to investors, for both public and private sector [7].

The current study presented an overview of possible PV recycling process for solar modules, including c-Si and thin-film technologies. The motivation, legislation and current processes

So far, recycling processes of c-Si modules results in a net cost activity when compared to landfill (due to the avoidance of the true environmental costs and externalities for the latter) but these processes can ensure the sustainability of the supply chain in the long-term, increase the recovery of energy and embedded materials, while reducing CO2 emissions and energy payback time (EPBT) for the whole PV industry. The unprofitability of the current methods does not mean that the recycling of PV modules should be discarded. The PV waste management has the potential to develop new pathways for industry development and offers employ-

It is well known that the recycling of EoL PV modules has positive influences on the environmental impacts. Recycling of PV modules can remove and retain potentially harmful substances (e.g. lead, cadmium, and selenium), recover rare materials (e.g. silver, tellurium and indium) and make them available for future use [8]. To achieve the best possible results at acceptable costs, it is essential that future recycling processes stay up to date on the continuous

However, the current waste volumes are still low, which entails economical obstacles for the development of the existing processes. If we compare the economics of recycling electronics and telecommunications, where the profits are generated through the recovery of precious metals and parts, it is unlikely for PV solar modules to have sufficient amounts of these

It is important that specific legislation is established for PV waste management and recycling and that this step is given before the amount of waste from EoL PV modules becomes alarming, as forecast for the year 2030 [7]. Regulation will help, but it might not be the only way. The economic viability should be achieved as well. If a recycling process for PV waste that is revenue positive (i.e. a good business) can be created, then it will happen regardless of regulations.

It was shown that recycling technologies for PV wastes are extensively explored not just on labs and pilot plants, but some are also commercially available. It is also clear that a few challenges (e.g. economic feasibility, recovery of more materials, and recovery of unbroken cells), still remain in process efficiency, complexity, energy requirements and use of non-

MML and RC acknowledge the support of the Australian Government through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). Responsibility for the views, information or advice

materials to pay for the associated costs of the steps of recycling processes [69].

environmentally friendly materials for the treatment of some elements.

Acknowledgements

Marina Monteiro Lunardi<sup>1</sup> , Juan Pablo Alvarez-Gaitan<sup>2</sup> , José I. Bilbao<sup>1</sup> and Richard Corkish<sup>1</sup> \*

\*Address all correspondence to: r.corkish@unsw.edu.au

1 The Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics (ACAP), School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia

2 School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
