Efficient Recycling of Core Materials Highlights Resource Value
As the first batch of photovoltaic (PV) equipment enters the decommissioning phase, the resource potential of waste PV panels is being deeply explored. Data shows that crystalline silicon PV modules contain a variety of high-value recyclable substances, with tempered glass accounting for the largest proportion. Aluminum frames make up 10% to 15% of the total weight, and the modules also include 3.80% silicon, 0.02% silver, as well as copper, plastic, and other components. Through mature technologies, these materials can be efficiently extracted and recycled: after treatment, glass can be reused in the production of PV glass or in the construction sector; aluminum and copper can be reintroduced into industrial manufacturing systems; purified silicon materials can be reutilized in wafer production; and silver can be refined into precious metals with a purity of over 99.9%. Approximately 180 to 220 grams of silver can be extracted from one ton of waste panels, with the value of precious metals per ton exceeding 1,000 yuan. Based on projections that China will have a total of 4 million tons of decommissioned PV modules by 2030, over 3 million tons of various materials such as glass, aluminum, copper, silicon, and silver could be recovered, indicating considerable potential for resource recycling.
Technological Breakthroughs Address Recycling Challenges, Localized Equipment Delivers Results
Currently, the integrated recycling technology system combining "physical processes, pyrolysis, and chemical purification" has gradually achieved large-scale application, making significant progress in addressing key industry challenges related to material separation accuracy and purity improvement. In PV module recycling pilot lines in some regions of China, the recovery rate of aluminum frames, junction boxes, and intact glass is expected to reach 100%, while the purity of silicon materials can be enhanced to over 99.99%. The overall module mass recovery rate can reach 94.272%, and the dust collection efficiency can also reach 99.8%, enabling compatibility with the processing of intact and broken modules of different sizes. Relevant technological R&D has resulted in 74 patent achievements, achieving certain breakthroughs in breaking foreign technological barriers while promoting the localization of recycling equipment, laying a solid technological foundation for the large-scale development of the industry.
Closed-Loop Cycle Supports Green Development, Industry Standards Accelerate Improvement
The recycling of waste PV panels not only creates significant economic value for the market but also helps build a full-chain green closed loop for the PV industry. By recycling and reusing silicon materials, reliance on primary mineral resources can be reduced to a certain extent, and energy consumption and carbon emissions in the silicon material production process can be lowered. Meanwhile, standardized recycling and treatment can effectively mitigate environmental risks potentially posed by substances such as lead and fluorine-containing polymers. Policy and market forces are gradually forming a dual-driving momentum: the "Two New" policies (policies supporting new energy and new materials) have included the circular utilization of PV equipment in key support areas, and 43 relevant national standards have been officially released and implemented. The industry generally anticipates that with the continuous integration and upgrading of technologies and the optimization of production capacity layout, recycled materials are expected to achieve cascaded utilization in the future. Silicon powder, glass, and other materials may be converted into construction fillers, and purified silicon materials may also have the potential to be upgraded to semiconductor-grade materials, promoting the gradual transition of the PV industry from "green manufacturing" to "full-life-cycle green development".
Waste Solar Panels "Turned into Treasure"-Industry News-Jiangxi Mingxin Metallurgical Equipment Co., Ltd.