Central to this solar revolution are Photovoltaic (PV) solar cells, experiencing a meteoric rise in both demand and importance. For professionals in the field, a deep understanding of the manufacturing process of these cells is more than just theoretical knowledge.
Wei-Sheng Chen et al., reported the recycling of photovoltaic solar cells by leaching and extraction process. The silicon cell consisted of 90% of Si, 0.7% of Ag, and 9.3% of Al. 4 M nitric acid was used for the recovery of Si and 1 M hydrochloride acid was used for the recovery of Ag, Al.
The ideal approach for disposing of end-of-life photovoltaic (PV) modules is recycling. Since it is expected that more than 50 000 t of PV modules will be worn out in 2015, the recycling approach has received significant attention in the last few years.
The manufacturing process of PV solar cells necessitates specialized equipment, each contributing significantly to the final product’s quality and efficiency: Silicon Ingot and Wafer Manufacturing Tools: These transform raw silicon into crystalline ingots and then slice them into thin wafers, forming the substrate of the solar cells.
Glass, solar cells, and ribbons are completely separated, as shown in Fig. 3. Pyrolysis has been proven to be an effective method to remove EVA encapsulants from the module laminates, therefore separating solar cells and module glass.
The technology progress in silicon photovoltaic module recycling is overviewed. Delamination is the most challenging part of the whole recycling process. Different mechanisms for material separation are compared. Secondary markets for recovered module materials should be developed.