Title: Photovoltaic (PV) modules recycling

Abstract

The worldwide trend of reducing energy production from fossil fuels and of meeting the nZEB (nearly Zero Energy Buildings) concept will determine the increase of the installed PV module numbers. PV wastes amount could reach about 10 million tons in 2050. The EU Directive 19/2012 includes the PV modules wastes in the WEEE category and requires PVs to be recycled with a 45% share in 2016, and up to 65 % after 2020. The PV modules market includes: crystalline silicon (c-Si, i.e. mono- and polycrystalline), amorphous silicon (a-Si); CIS and CIGS (CuInSe(S), CuInGaSe(S)); CdTe, but the prevalent is cSi-PV (80%), The PVs disposing in municipal landfills will became an issue because of their cost and because they may contain small amounts of hazardous materials (e.g., Cd, Pb, In, Ga, Se). The PV modules could be recycled as follows: c-Si PV module containing high purity Si can be re-used if a cost effective technology is developed; a-Si PV modules - the Si recovery is usually overlooked given the small amount of recoverable material. Recently studies on PV modules recycling report on the existence of two processes in the market (Deutsche Solar, First Solar) consisting of: mechanical separation, laminated glass recycling, chemical and/or mechanical treatment, thermal separation, waste incineration, smelting. In Europe was proposed a pilot scale PV panel recycling-Full Recovery of End of Life Photovoltaic, but is still under investigation because of economic issues. The difficulties of PV modules recycling are the environmental and financial issues. Therefore speech is focused on feasible and sustainable solution for end of life (EoL) Si-PV recycling by developing all wastes composites with high silicon photovoltaics (Si-PV) content.