Solar Panels Research Articles

Promoting sustainability in the solar industry: bibliometric and systematic analysis of alternatives for the end-of-life of photovoltaic modules

This study conducted bibliometric and systematic analyses of the literature to map the application of life cycle assessment studies on photovoltaic panels, focusing on end-of-life alternatives. Seventy-six articles addressing management strategies, treatment, recycling, and utilization of the panels were examined. The results revealed a significant increase in the number of publications over time, particularly in high-impact journals. Sixteen end-of-life alternatives for the panels were identified, including recycling practices, material recovery, and landfills. All alternatives were analyzed regarding environmental, social, and economic impacts. Understanding the impacts of different end-of-life methods for solar panels is key in supporting government management and the implementation of effective policies and regulations. Additionally, it is necessary to consider the environmental and social effects, as well as ensure the protection of workers involved in related activities and prevent soil, water, and air contamination caused by different types of alternatives, such as dissolution and incineration. To enhance the recycling and recovery of elements from solar panels, scientific advancements and improvements in industrial infrastructure are necessary along with the implementation of a regional logistics approach that minimizes emissions resulting from transportation. The bibliometric analysis indicates that 65% of the studies were published within the last 3 years, and one quarter of the trending keywords of this period is “recycling”. This is particularly relevant to show a major area for research in the solar industry. By means of the systematic analysis, this study compiles and synthetizes the most recent and relevant alternatives for managing end-of-life photovoltaic panels. The comprehensive overview of the impacts associated with these alternatives contributes to the literature and practice of sustainability in the energy sector, providing support for informed decisions directed towards implementation.

Mathematical modeling of an integrated photovoltaic-assisted PEM water electrolyzer system for hydrogen production

This work provides a new mathematical model of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels integrated with proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolyzer cells for optimal hydrogen production. The proposed mathematical model evaluates the operating temperature of the PV solar panel and PEM water electrolyzer and the effect of membrane thickness on hydrogen production performance. In the model results, when the operating temperature of the PEM water electrolyzer increased from 25 °C to 80 °C, the hydrogen flow rate of about 1.44 and 1.82 mL/min at 2 A/cm2, respectively. Moreover, the maximum flow rate of hydrogen produced in a 7-cell and 14-cell PV-assisted PEM water electrolyzer stack is around 349.98 mL/min and 699.91 mL/min, respectively. The total efficiency of the integrated PV-assisted PEM water electrolyzer stack is around 6.0–6.5%, depending on the solar irradiance values. This mathematical model significantly contributes to green hydrogen production using the integrated PV-assisted PEM water electrolyzer system. Moreover, the mathematical model of PV-assisted PEM water electrolyzer will be a pioneer in determining the hydrogen production potential of the PEM water electrolyzer systems.

Promoting sustainability in the solar industry: bibliometric and systematic analysis of alternatives for the end-of-life of photovoltaic modules

This study conducted bibliometric and systematic analyses of the literature to map the application of life cycle assessment studies on photovoltaic panels, focusing on end-of-life alternatives. Seventy-six articles addressing management strategies, treatment, recycling, and utilization of the panels were examined. The results revealed a significant increase in the number of publications over time, particularly in high-impact journals. Sixteen end-of-life alternatives for the panels were identified, including recycling practices, material recovery, and landfills. All alternatives were analyzed regarding environmental, social, and economic impacts. Understanding the impacts of different end-of-life methods for solar panels is key in supporting government management and the implementation of effective policies and regulations. Additionally, it is necessary to consider the environmental and social effects, as well as ensure the protection of workers involved in related activities and prevent soil, water, and air contamination caused by different types of alternatives, such as dissolution and incineration. To enhance the recycling and recovery of elements from solar panels, scientific advancements and improvements in industrial infrastructure are necessary along with the implementation of a regional logistics approach that minimizes emissions resulting from transportation. The bibliometric analysis indicates that 65% of the studies were published within the last 3 years, and one quarter of the trending keywords of this period is “recycling”. This is particularly relevant to show a major area for research in the solar industry. By means of the systematic analysis, this study compiles and synthetizes the most recent and relevant alternatives for managing end-of-life photovoltaic panels. The comprehensive overview of the impacts associated with these alternatives contributes to the literature and practice of sustainability in the energy sector, providing support for informed decisions directed towards implementation.

Cost‐efficiency potential of solar energy on a global scale: Case studies for Si solar modules with PERC and heterojunction structures

AbstractLevelized cost of electricity (LCOE) is a crucial metric for assessing the socio‐economic cost‐efficiency potential of various energy sources including solar photovoltaics. Nevertheless, accurate LCOE estimations for commercialized high‐efficiency Si solar modules with passivated emitter and rear cell (PERC) and silicon heterojunction (SHJ) structures have been lacking. In this study, we present the first global LCOE estimates for a PERC module (20% cell efficiency) and a SHJ module (23% cell efficiency), which have been derived by (i) performing rigorous energy‐yield calculations with full‐spectral and temperature‐dependent simulations that incorporate all essential meteorological effects and (ii) considering country‐specific capital costs and discount rates. Moreover, to determine the universal global LCOE, the LCOEs for three distinct installation capacities (100 MW for a utility, 500 kW for a commercial, and 5 kW for a residential system) have been unified by selecting an appropriate system size at each location based on a population density. We find that the LCOEs of both PERC and SHJ systems are below 3 cents/kWh in 2020 US dollar in many areas of China, Saudi Arabia, the United States, Australia, Chile, and Botswana, where the conditions of a high energy yield, low population density, low capital cost, and low country‐risk premium are satisfied simultaneously. In contrast, many European countries exhibit a moderate LCOE of 3~5 cents/kWh. Notably, Japan and Russia exhibit quite high LCOEs (6~10 cents/kWh) primarily due to significantly higher installation costs and moderate energy yields. Importantly, the global LCOEs of the PERC and SHJ modules are quite similar, with the SHJ module showing a slightly better cost performance in the regions near the equator due to its low temperature coefficient. Conversely, the PERC module demonstrates a cost advantage in the Northern Hemisphere due to a lower module cost.

Cost‐efficiency potential of solar energy on a global scale: Case studies for Si solar modules with PERC and heterojunction structures

AbstractLevelized cost of electricity (LCOE) is a crucial metric for assessing the socio‐economic cost‐efficiency potential of various energy sources including solar photovoltaics. Nevertheless, accurate LCOE estimations for commercialized high‐efficiency Si solar modules with passivated emitter and rear cell (PERC) and silicon heterojunction (SHJ) structures have been lacking. In this study, we present the first global LCOE estimates for a PERC module (20% cell efficiency) and a SHJ module (23% cell efficiency), which have been derived by (i) performing rigorous energy‐yield calculations with full‐spectral and temperature‐dependent simulations that incorporate all essential meteorological effects and (ii) considering country‐specific capital costs and discount rates. Moreover, to determine the universal global LCOE, the LCOEs for three distinct installation capacities (100 MW for a utility, 500 kW for a commercial, and 5 kW for a residential system) have been unified by selecting an appropriate system size at each location based on a population density. We find that the LCOEs of both PERC and SHJ systems are below 3 cents/kWh in 2020 US dollar in many areas of China, Saudi Arabia, the United States, Australia, Chile, and Botswana, where the conditions of a high energy yield, low population density, low capital cost, and low country‐risk premium are satisfied simultaneously. In contrast, many European countries exhibit a moderate LCOE of 3~5 cents/kWh. Notably, Japan and Russia exhibit quite high LCOEs (6~10 cents/kWh) primarily due to significantly higher installation costs and moderate energy yields. Importantly, the global LCOEs of the PERC and SHJ modules are quite similar, with the SHJ module showing a slightly better cost performance in the regions near the equator due to its low temperature coefficient. Conversely, the PERC module demonstrates a cost advantage in the Northern Hemisphere due to a lower module cost.

Cooling the future: Peltier thermoelectric solutions for photovoltaic panels

The integration of thermoelectric-generator (TEG) systems into photovoltaic (PV) generators is examined in this paper. Temperature increases have a detrimental effect on PV panel efficiency, which reduces power output. When testing solar modules at a temperature of 25°C (STC), heat can reduce output efficiency by 10–25%. In order to solve this problem, Peltier modules are used to reduce PV-cell temperature. This improves the longevity, power capacity, and efficiency of the system. An IoT platform transmits the gathered data to deliver real-time feedback. According to the investigation, installing a reliable cooling system dramatically lowers the temperature of the PV panels, with noticeable temperature declines seen in situations with cooling systems as opposed to those without. Conditions with cooling systems, such as B2, B3, and B4, showed substantial percentage temperature decreases, ranging from roughly 38.3% to 39.2%, 20.8% to 24.6%, and 36.4% to 36.8%, respectively. These results underline how crucial it is to establish effective cooling systems for the best PV panel performance. B2 also has the best cooling performance, with the resulting 4.5% power savings. Superior cooling effectiveness, increased thermal management, are all demonstrated by the configuration of connecting 4-TEG Peltier modules in a 2 × 2 series-parallel-configuration with a heat-sink.

An Innovative AgNP-based Solar Panel Coating and Farmland Fertility Optimization (FFO) based Power Extraction Methodology for Grid Systems

In the power electronic system, coated solar panels attracted a lot of interest in present times. The proposed work aims to achieve two key objectives: maximal power extraction and solar panel coating. To reduce the cost of coating material for solar panels, Silver Nano Particles (AgNPs) are first collected from the leaves of Rose periwinkle plants. This strategy aims to achieve maximal power extraction by coating solar panels with green synthesized silver nanoparticles. To reduce the cost of coating material, Rosy periwinkle plant leaves are used to synthesize silver nanoparticles or AgNPs. To ascertain the framework's capacity for measuring energy both before and after the panels are coated with AgNP, this study theoretically analyses the data. The power current and voltage-current characteristics of the study were validated, enabling an examination of the study's effectiveness. The coated type outperformed the normal solar panel by 2%, according to the results. With a new approach called Farmland Fertility Optimization – Maximum Power Position Tracking, the precise peak site for increased energy yield is discovered. The bi-directional converter is also utilized to mitigate stress and increase voltage gain. To improve the power quality with fewer harmonics, the 3-phase inverter and the LC filtering circuits are used. Finally, a variety of performance measures are used to confirm the results of coated solar panels using power-tracking control techniques. The findings suggest that AgNP-coated solar panels provide the best possible electrical energy with improved voltage, current, and power quality. Performance evaluation shows that the coated solar panel's power tracking efficiency has increased to 99% with decreased harmonics of 2.52%.

An Innovative AgNP-based Solar Panel Coating and Farmland Fertility Optimization (FFO) based Power Extraction Methodology for Grid Systems

In the power electronic system, coated solar panels attracted a lot of interest in present times. The proposed work aims to achieve two key objectives: maximal power extraction and solar panel coating. To reduce the cost of coating material for solar panels, Silver Nano Particles (AgNPs) are first collected from the leaves of Rose periwinkle plants. This strategy aims to achieve maximal power extraction by coating solar panels with green synthesized silver nanoparticles. To reduce the cost of coating material, Rosy periwinkle plant leaves are used to synthesize silver nanoparticles or AgNPs. To ascertain the framework's capacity for measuring energy both before and after the panels are coated with AgNP, this study theoretically analyses the data. The power current and voltage-current characteristics of the study were validated, enabling an examination of the study's effectiveness. The coated type outperformed the normal solar panel by 2%, according to the results. With a new approach called Farmland Fertility Optimization – Maximum Power Position Tracking, the precise peak site for increased energy yield is discovered. The bi-directional converter is also utilized to mitigate stress and increase voltage gain. To improve the power quality with fewer harmonics, the 3-phase inverter and the LC filtering circuits are used. Finally, a variety of performance measures are used to confirm the results of coated solar panels using power-tracking control techniques. The findings suggest that AgNP-coated solar panels provide the best possible electrical energy with improved voltage, current, and power quality. Performance evaluation shows that the coated solar panel's power tracking efficiency has increased to 99% with decreased harmonics of 2.52%.

Solar Panel Dirt Detection and Cleaning System

The proposed solar panel dirt detection and cleaning system improves the efficiency in generating output voltage that integrates Arduino micro-controller with voltage recognition technology to enhance the efficiency of solar energy harvesting. The system utilizes voltage divider circuit to identify dirt or debris on the solar panel surface by analyzing changes in output voltage produced by the solar panel. Along with voltage divider circuit, LDR (Light Dependent Resistor) sensor is utilized to enable the cleaning process only in day time when the intensity level of the LDR is more than threshold value. Upon detection, the Arduino micro-controller triggers a cleaning mechanism to remove the identified dirt. The cleaning mechanism can be designed using actuators, brushes and other appropriate tools. The Arduino's programmability allows for customization of cleaning intervals, ensuring timely maintenance.

Drivers of agrivoltaic perception in California and North Carolina

The last decade has seen dramatic growth in solar power. In some regions, the most favorable land for solar panels is farmland, which is often flat and exposed to high levels of irradiance. At the same time, the agricultural sector is faced with growing challenges, notably changing water availability and increasingly frequent extreme weather events. The combination of these trends presents an opportunity for a synergistic relationship between the agriculture and solar sectors: agrivoltaic systems (AVS). In AVS, solar panels are placed above and between crops, such that the same land produces both food and energy. This system has beneficial microclimate impacts, such as reduced evapotranspiration. Yet, despite these benefits there has been limited uptake of AVS. One reason may be hesitation on the part of farmers, whose perceptions of AVS have been explored little. This analysis seeks to address part of this gap by exploring the relationship between farmer perceptions and interest in AVS. A Likert scale survey was designed and distributed to farmers across two large, agriculturally productive states, North Carolina and California. Responses from the 41 participants who fully completed the survey suggest that farmers who perceive AVS as diversifying their income or whose goals include reducing water use are the most interested in installing AVS. Respondents also identified financial viability as a major concern, agreeing that upfront cost is a major barrier to AVS, and markets as the most influential driver of crop decisions. These findings provide insights for policymakers interested in expanding AVS, particularly in response to environmental stressors, such as water scarcity and extreme weather events. They also suggest the aspects of AVS that may be most important to farmers, and most effective in encouraging AVS uptake. This information can support efforts to promote AVS, contributing to sustainable agriculture.

Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of Temperature Distribution in Solar Distillation Panel with Various Flat Plate Materials

As the world population continues to grow, the demand for clean water is increasing daily, making it a crucial resource to access. However, there are ways to harness abundant resources like solar energy and seawater to produce clean water. The present studies have conducted experimental investigations to convert seawater into freshwater using solar stills, where solar energy is utilized as the primary heat source for evaporation. The temperature distribution inside the solar stills was analyzed using a flat plate made of three different materials: copper, stainless steel, and aluminum. To examine the temperature distribution and performance of the solar stills, researchers employed computational fluid dynamics simulations (Ansys R15.0). The results showed variations in temperature distribution among the three plate materials. Copper flat plates achieved the highest temperature, approximately 44.5 Celsius, followed by aluminum at 43.91 Celsius, while stainless steel exhibited the lowest temperature at around 42.01 Celsius. The average heat flux across the three materials was approximately 581 W/m2. Additionally, observations indicated that the amount of convection occurring in copper flat plates was 121.108 Watts; in aluminum, it was 118.517 Watts; and in stainless steel, it was 105.05 Watts. The radiation energy for stainless steel flat plates was 29.93 W; for copper, 16.14 W; and for aluminum, 13.49 W.

Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of Temperature Distribution in Solar Distillation Panel with Various Flat Plate Materials

As the world population continues to grow, the demand for clean water is increasing daily, making it a crucial resource to access. However, there are ways to harness abundant resources like solar energy and seawater to produce clean water. The present studies have conducted experimental investigations to convert seawater into freshwater using solar stills, where solar energy is utilized as the primary heat source for evaporation. The temperature distribution inside the solar stills was analyzed using a flat plate made of three different materials: copper, stainless steel, and aluminum. To examine the temperature distribution and performance of the solar stills, researchers employed computational fluid dynamics simulations (Ansys R15.0). The results showed variations in temperature distribution among the three plate materials. Copper flat plates achieved the highest temperature, approximately 44.5 Celsius, followed by aluminum at 43.91 Celsius, while stainless steel exhibited the lowest temperature at around 42.01 Celsius. The average heat flux across the three materials was approximately 581 W/m2. Additionally, observations indicated that the amount of convection occurring in copper flat plates was 121.108 Watts; in aluminum, it was 118.517 Watts; and in stainless steel, it was 105.05 Watts. The radiation energy for stainless steel flat plates was 29.93 W; for copper, 16.14 W; and for aluminum, 13.49 W.

Indicators for suitability and feasibility assessment of flexible energy resources

Recommender systems play a critical role in optimizing building energy consumption by providing personalized advice based on data analytics and user preferences. However, the literature highlights the need for systems that can justify their recommendations, as many of these systems use non-transparent machine-learning techniques. This research introduces two distinct types of indicators with three main goals: to identify patterns of flexible consumption behavior using transparent and straightforward methods suitable for remote decision support systems, thereby eliminating the need for extensive databases; to evaluate the feasibility of installing solar panels on building facades, rooftops, and structures using high-resolution 3D models; and to enhance understanding through a quantitative assessment of the feasibility and suitability of integrating renewable energy sources, particularly photovoltaic systems. Flexible prosumers are scored by assessing their energy consumption level, consistency, and variability through the Flexible Consumption Indicators. Topology Indicators perform a quantitative assessment of the feasibility of support surfaces for installing photovoltaic panels, taking into account rooftop pitch angles, orientations, and surrounding and internal structures, identifying those areas exposed to sufficient levels of irradiation. This study, which uses actual consumption profiles and similar households' buildings 3D models, demonstrates how the proposed indicators can aid identifying users with flexible consumption profiles that reside in buildings compatible with renewable energy sources, aiding in decision-making process within the energy transition.

Fusing Science with Industry: Perovskite Photovoltaics Moving Rapidly into Industrialization.

The organic-inorganic lead halide perovskite materials have emerged as highly promising contenders in the field of photovoltaic technology, offering exceptional efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The commercialization of perovskite photovoltaics hinges on successfully transitioning from lab-scale perovskite solar cells to large-scale perovskite solar modules (PSMs). However, the efficiency of PSMs significantly diminishes with increasing device area, impeding commercial viability. Central to achieving high-efficiency PSMs is fabricating uniform functional films and optimizing interfaces to minimize energy loss. In this review, we shed light on the path towards large-scale PSMs, emphasizing the pivotal role of integrating cutting-edge scientific research with industrial technology. By exploring scalable deposition techniques and optimization strategies, we reveal the advancements and challenges in fabricating large-area perovskite films. Subsequently, we delve into the architecture and contact materials of PSMs while addressing pertinent interface issues. Crucially, we analyze efficiency loss during scale-up and stability risks encountered by PSMs. Furthermore, we highlight the advancements in industrial efforts towards perovskite commercialization, emphasizing the perspective of PSMs in revolutionizing renewable energy. By highlighting the scientific and technical challenges in developing PSMs, we stress the importance of combining science and industry to drive their industrialization and pave the way for future advancements. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Fusing Science with Industry: Perovskite Photovoltaics Moving Rapidly into Industrialization.

The organic-inorganic lead halide perovskite materials have emerged as highly promising contenders in the field of photovoltaic technology, offering exceptional efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The commercialization of perovskite photovoltaics hinges on successfully transitioning from lab-scale perovskite solar cells to large-scale perovskite solar modules (PSMs). However, the efficiency of PSMs significantly diminishes with increasing device area, impeding commercial viability. Central to achieving high-efficiency PSMs is fabricating uniform functional films and optimizing interfaces to minimize energy loss. In this review, we shed light on the path towards large-scale PSMs, emphasizing the pivotal role of integrating cutting-edge scientific research with industrial technology. By exploring scalable deposition techniques and optimization strategies, we reveal the advancements and challenges in fabricating large-area perovskite films. Subsequently, we delve into the architecture and contact materials of PSMs while addressing pertinent interface issues. Crucially, we analyze efficiency loss during scale-up and stability risks encountered by PSMs. Furthermore, we highlight the advancements in industrial efforts towards perovskite commercialization, emphasizing the perspective of PSMs in revolutionizing renewable energy. By highlighting the scientific and technical challenges in developing PSMs, we stress the importance of combining science and industry to drive their industrialization and pave the way for future advancements. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

CONCENTRATION OF LUNAR PLAGIOCLASE FOR SOLAR CELLS FABRICATION. AN ISRU CONCEPTUAL ARCHITECTURE

Solar panels are required on the Moon to provide power for human activities, especially mining and civil operations. To provide enough power and maintain human settlements working, a technical solution known as the Tall Lunar Tower (TLT) claims to be able to capture sunlight 93% of the time through solar panel structures and provide 50 kW per tower. A typical photovoltaic panel is made of 76% glass, 10% polymer, 8% aluminum, 5% silicon, and 1% other metals. Delivering these materials from Earth is expensive and risky. Fortunately, lunar regolith contains large amounts of silicon and aluminum oxides and silicates, thus, it would be feasible to use the resources in situ for metal production, hence, we just need to transport polymers, wire, and minor components from Earth. This article presents an ISRU (in-situ resource utilization) architecture to provide plagioclase concentrate, the economic lunar ore for aluminum and silicon extraction. The document details engineering aspects and technological solutions for lunar mining, including excavation, transport, and beneficiation operations; based on a hypothetical construction and deployment of TLT at the South Pole. Processing techniques such as screening and magnetic separation are discussed to evaluate their advantages and drawbacks to obtain an expected plagioclase concentration of 70% grade with 18% recovery. Finally, an outline of recommendations for industrial manufacture is discussed, considering the sequential lunar metals extraction and the quality required.

Analyzing Solar PV Integrated UPQC Performance in Micro Grid Systems

The presented work proposes a methodology for the automated transition of a solar PV array and battery integrated unified power quality conditioner (PV-B-UPQC) between standalone and grid-connected modes of operation. The system consists of a shunt and series active filters connected back-to-back with a common DC link, addressing the challenge of integrating power quality improvement with clean energy generation. The automated transition ensures continuous power supply to critical loads, even during grid unavailability. Key innovations include implementing this automated transition in the PV-B-UPQC system with minimal disturbance to local loads. The system's performance is validated through experimental evaluation under various dynamic conditions, such as automated transition, supply voltage variations, grid unavailability, changes in solar power generation, and load variations - scenarios commonly encountered in modern distribution networks. The results are verified using MATLAB/Simulink simulations. Index Terms—Power Quality, shunt compensator, series compensator, UPQC, Solar PV, MPPT.

Analyzing Solar PV Integrated UPQC Performance in Micro Grid Systems

The presented work proposes a methodology for the automated transition of a solar PV array and battery integrated unified power quality conditioner (PV-B-UPQC) between standalone and grid-connected modes of operation. The system consists of a shunt and series active filters connected back-to-back with a common DC link, addressing the challenge of integrating power quality improvement with clean energy generation. The automated transition ensures continuous power supply to critical loads, even during grid unavailability. Key innovations include implementing this automated transition in the PV-B-UPQC system with minimal disturbance to local loads. The system's performance is validated through experimental evaluation under various dynamic conditions, such as automated transition, supply voltage variations, grid unavailability, changes in solar power generation, and load variations - scenarios commonly encountered in modern distribution networks. The results are verified using MATLAB/Simulink simulations. Index Terms—Power Quality, shunt compensator, series compensator, UPQC, Solar PV, MPPT.

Sustainable Strategies for Crystalline Solar Cell Recycling: A Review on Recycling Techniques, Companies, and Environmental Impact Analysis

Solar PV is gaining increasing importance in the worldwide energy industry. Consequently, the global expansion of crystalline photovoltaic power plants has resulted in a rise in PV waste generation. However, disposing of PV waste is challenging and can pose harmful chemical effects on the environment. Therefore, developing technologies for recycling crystalline silicon solar modules is imperative to improve process efficiency, economics, recovery, and recycling rates. This review offers a comprehensive analysis of PV waste management, specifically focusing on crystalline solar cell recycling. The classification of PV recycling companies based on various components, including solar panels, PV glass, aluminum frames, silicon solar cells, junction boxes, plastic, back sheets, and cables, is explored. Additionally, the survey includes an in-depth literature review concentrating on chemical treatment for crystalline solar cell recycling. Furthermore, this study provides constructive suggestions for PV power plants on how to promote solar cell recycling at the end of their life cycles, thereby reducing their environmental impact. Moreover, the techno-economic and environmental dimensions of solar cell recycling techniques are investigated in detail. Overall, this review offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with crystalline solar cell recycling, emphasizing the importance of economically feasible and environmentally sustainable PV waste management solutions in the constantly evolving solar energy market.

Sustainable Strategies for Crystalline Solar Cell Recycling: A Review on Recycling Techniques, Companies, and Environmental Impact Analysis

Solar PV is gaining increasing importance in the worldwide energy industry. Consequently, the global expansion of crystalline photovoltaic power plants has resulted in a rise in PV waste generation. However, disposing of PV waste is challenging and can pose harmful chemical effects on the environment. Therefore, developing technologies for recycling crystalline silicon solar modules is imperative to improve process efficiency, economics, recovery, and recycling rates. This review offers a comprehensive analysis of PV waste management, specifically focusing on crystalline solar cell recycling. The classification of PV recycling companies based on various components, including solar panels, PV glass, aluminum frames, silicon solar cells, junction boxes, plastic, back sheets, and cables, is explored. Additionally, the survey includes an in-depth literature review concentrating on chemical treatment for crystalline solar cell recycling. Furthermore, this study provides constructive suggestions for PV power plants on how to promote solar cell recycling at the end of their life cycles, thereby reducing their environmental impact. Moreover, the techno-economic and environmental dimensions of solar cell recycling techniques are investigated in detail. Overall, this review offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with crystalline solar cell recycling, emphasizing the importance of economically feasible and environmentally sustainable PV waste management solutions in the constantly evolving solar energy market.