Therefore, the methods of dealing with solar PV waste material, principally by recycling need to be established by 2040. By recycling solar PV panels EOL and reusing them to make new solar panels, the actual number of waste (i.e., not recycled panels) could be considerably reduced.
The worldwide solar PV waste is estimated to reach around 78 million tonnes by 2050. The current status of the EOL PV panels are systemically reviewed and discussed. Policy formation involving manufacturer's liability to inspire recycling of waste solar panels. R&D needs acceleration allowing researchers to resolve issues in PV module recycling.
A 2.6 MW conventional power station causes an annual volume of 1480–2220 tonnes CO 2 eq emissions and this could be saved by recycling 186 tonnes solar PV waste .
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.
Even in the European Union, where photovoltaic (PV) recycling is required by law, many waste facilities just harvest bulk elements such as aluminium frames and glass covers, which account for more than 80% of a silicon panel's mass . Awareness and attempts to develop recycling technologies for EoL PV panels began in the 90 s .
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.