What is in a photovoltaic panel and how to recover it?

The photovoltaic panel is designed to convert the sun’s energy into electricity and consists of a series of elements. Let’s look at the main ones.

• The layer of tempered glass that covers the surface of the panel to protect the solar cells. Recovery mode: the glass can be recycled to produce new surfaces for panels or other items in the same material.

• Photovoltaic cells, which can be made of crystalline silicon (monocrystalline or polycrystalline) or semiconductor materials such as cadmium telluride (CdTe) or copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS). Recovery: the silicon can be purified and reused, while other semiconductors require specific chemical processes for recovery. Metal oxides that make up the anti-reflective film and coatings of photovoltaic panels are also recycled along with glass and silicon.

• The encapsulation layer made of polymers such as EVA (acetate-vinyl-ethylene), which protects photovoltaic cells from weathering. Recycling polymers is quite complex: they are often separated and disposed of.
• The frame that supports and protects the photovoltaic panel structure is made of anodized aluminum. It is a material that can be easily recycled to produce new aluminum components.
• The back layer made of tough plastic polymers, which is difficult to recycle, can be incinerated for energy recovery.
• Finally, in the photovoltaic panel there are the wiring elements, usually composed of copper. These materials can be removed and recycled.

Compton Industriale’s Solar line

For the efficient and sustainable recovery of the materials that make up photovoltaic panels that have reached the end of their useful life, Compton Industriale has created the Solar Line with innovative technology.

In particular, the Solar EVO 5.0 photovoltaic panel recycling plant has several environmental and economic advantages and is an ideal choice for companies in the recovery industry.

Solar EVO 5.0 ensures the separation of all materials contained in the PV panel using a fully mechanical process refined over more than 20 years of experience in the industry.

What materials are recovered?

An average of 22 kg is obtained from a photovoltaic panel:

• Electrical Boards: 0.1 kg
• Metals (Copper and Tin): 0.2 kg
• Plastics: 1.7 kg
• Silicon: 2.8 kg
• Aluminum: 2.9 kg
• Glass: 13.8 kg

How does the recycling process work?

A dedicated machine removes the frames and junction box from the panel, which is then cut into two or three sections to reduce energy consumption in the next step.

An innovative process separates the glass from other components without contaminating it, ensuring complete recovery. Lastly, the panel residue is shredded and its constituent materials (copper, silicon, plastics) are separated into three separate streams using a circular vibrating screen.

Benefits of materials recovery

Significant reduction in environmental impact with less waste to landfill and reduced need for extraction of new raw materials. Precious materials such as silicon and metals can be reused to make new panels or other products. Recycling materials consumes less energy than manufacturing from scratch. In addition, in the European Union, the recovery of photovoltaic panels is mandatory under electronic waste (WEEE) regulations.