How are solar cells disposed of?

According to relevant data, by 2050, the world will produce 230 million tons of waste solar cells. Recycling solar cells has attracted people's attention. If you have a small amount of waste solar cells, you can send them directly to the recycling station, but if you have a large amount of waste solar cells, we can dispose of them by physical method, chemical method, pyrolysis method, and repair or downgrade solar cells, and use solar cells as fillers. The following is a comprehensive introduction to solar cells recycling methods, technologies and innovative reuse. 

1. Solar cells physical disposal method

Physical process of solar cells disposal method

Removing the frame: Use an automated cutting equipment to remove the aluminum frame and junction box. DOING frame removal equipment can handle solar cells of various sizes with high efficiency and accuracy.

Crushing and sorting: Separate glass, silicon wafers and metals through crushing, screening and eddy current sorting. DOING crushing and sorting equipment can crush the material into 1-2 cm blocks and then finely sort them.

Purifying materials: Obtain 99% pure silicon material and 98% large-particle glass. DOING equipment is equipped with a dust removal device to ensure that the recycling process is environmentally friendly and pollution-free.

DOING solar cells recycling equipment

DOING solar cells recycling equipment adopts modular design and complies with international standards such as EU/EPA standards. Its automatically operated glass removal equipment has a glass removal rate of up to 98%, and most of it is glass particles rather than powder, which has a higher market value.

2. Solar cells chemical disposal method

Dissolve the EVA film with hydrofluoric acid and then purify the silver through electrolysis (92% recovery rate). However, it is costly (150-300 US dollars/ton) and requires the disposal of hazardous waste.

3. Solar cells Pyrolysis disposal method

DOING solar cells Pyrolysis disposal method

Heat solar cells to 500-600°C in an oxygen-free environment to vaporize the polymer. Silicon wafers (85% efficiency) can be reused and aluminum and copper can be recycled. However, the energy consumption is high (15-20 kWh/kg) and there is a safety risk of toxic gases.

4. Degraded use of solar cells

Agricultural photovoltaics: slightly damaged panels are used for irrigation systems.

Off-grid power supply: power LED street lights or monitoring equipment.

5. Solar cells as industrial fillers

Construction field: Broken glass is used for roads, which can reduce costs by 30%.

Composite materials: Silica powder is mixed with concrete or tiles.

DOING solar cells recycling equipment manufacturer

The above are all the disposal methods for solar cells. The physical disposal method of solar cells is the most recommended because it is environmentally friendly, efficient and safe. DOING solar cells recycling equipment has compact structure, automation, easy operation, and large processing capacity (1 ton/hour with a 10㎡ system). If you have raw materials, you can send us pictures and processing capacity. Our project manager will send you relevant cases, the most suitable plan and quotation to help you quickly start a solar cells recycling business.