Research and development priorities for silicon photovoltaic module recycling to support a circular economy
| Autor: | Evelyn Butler, Karsten Wambach, Stephanie L. Shaw, Andreas Wade, Timothy J. Silverman, Michael D. Kempe, Garvin Heath, Michael G. Deceglie, Keiichi Komoto, Teresa M. Barnes, Parikhit Sinha, Dwarakanath Ravikumar, Cara Libby, Hao Cui, Timothy Remo |
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| Rok vydání: | 2020 |
| Předmět: |
Silicon
Renewable Energy Sustainability and the Environment business.industry Computer science Circular economy Photovoltaic system Energy Engineering and Power Technology chemistry.chemical_element 02 engineering and technology 010402 general chemistry 021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology 01 natural sciences Manufacturing engineering 0104 chemical sciences Electronic Optical and Magnetic Materials Fuel Technology chemistry Hardware_GENERAL Photovoltaics Software deployment Sustainability Economic impact analysis Crystalline silicon 0210 nano-technology business |
| Zdroj: | Nature Energy. 5:502-510 |
| ISSN: | 2058-7546 |
| DOI: | 10.1038/s41560-020-0645-2 |
| Popis: | Large-scale deployment of photovoltaic (PV) modules has considerably increased in recent decades. Given an estimated lifetime of 30 years, the challenge of how to handle large volumes of end-of-life PV modules is starting to emerge. In this Perspective, we assess the global status of practice and knowledge for end-of-life management for crystalline silicon PV modules. We focus in particular on module recycling, a key aspect in the circular economy of photovoltaic panels. We recommend research and development to reduce recycling costs and environmental impacts compared to disposal while maximizing material recovery. We suggest that the recovery of high-value silicon is more advantageous than the recovery of intact silicon wafers. This approach requires the identification of contaminants and the design of purification processes for recovered silicon. The environmental and economic impacts of recycling practices should be explored with techno–economic analyses and life-cycle assessments to optimize solutions and minimize trade-offs. As photovoltaic technology advances rapidly, it is important for the recycling industry to plan adaptable recycling infrastructure. The increasing deployment of photovoltaic modules poses the challenge of waste management. Heath et al. review the status of end-of of-life management of silicon solar modules and recommend research and development priorities to facilitate material recovery and recycling of solar modules. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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