Photovoltaic module Recycling: A review on material recovery methods and waste management approach

Abstract

The increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions has driven a massive rise in the installed capacity of photovoltaic (PV) modules. This, in turn, will generate a substantial volume of waste modules, leading to significant environmental concerns due to electronic waste from end-of-life (EOL) PV modules. This review provides an updated analysis of the global surge in PV infrastructure, investment and forecasts of PV waste generation. It is predicted that the EOL PV modules can generate a waste of amounting 60–78 million tonnes by 2050. This study also presents a comprehensive overview of recent research findings on PV module recycling, including material recovery efficiencies and advancements in recycling technologies. Various recycling methods, such as delamination, thermal, chemical, and mechanical disassembly, are analysed along with their advantages and issues. It has been observed that various methods reported so far can recover 60–95% of the targeted material. Circular economy models have shown potential in reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainable waste management. Additionally, challenges such as hazardous emissions, economic viability, and regulatory gaps are highlighted. This review underscores the urgent need for sustainable and efficient recycling technologies and regulatory frameworks to manage the growing volume of PV waste effectively. Future research directions are also identified, emphasizing innovations in material recovery and improved policy measures for robust PV waste management.