29 February 2024 | Ali Ghahremani, Scott D. Adams, Michael Norton, Sui Yang Khoo and Abbas Z. Kouzani
This review paper discusses delamination techniques for end-of-life (EOL) solar panels, emphasizing their importance in recycling. Solar panels, while environmentally friendly, have a limited lifespan of about 25 years, after which they become waste. Proper recycling is crucial to prevent environmental harm due to the high energy consumption of silicon production and the presence of toxic heavy metals like lead, tin, and cadmium. The paper categorizes solar panels into crystalline silicon (c-Si), thin-film, and emerging technologies. Delamination is a critical step in recycling, involving the separation of components such as the junction box, cables, and aluminum frames. Three main delamination techniques are discussed: mechanical, thermal, and chemical. Mechanical delamination is considered the most sustainable and cost-effective, as it minimizes environmental impact and allows for the recovery of intact glass panels. Thermal delamination, though effective, is energy-intensive and produces emissions, while chemical delamination generates hazardous liquids. The paper highlights the advantages of mechanical delamination, including its environmental friendliness and ability to recover high-purity materials. It also discusses current challenges, such as the need for efficient sorting techniques to handle crushed materials. The study concludes that mechanical delamination is the most viable option for recycling EOL solar panels, with potential for further improvements in efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The review emphasizes the importance of developing sustainable recycling methods to manage the growing number of EOL solar panels and ensure a truly sustainable energy future.This review paper discusses delamination techniques for end-of-life (EOL) solar panels, emphasizing their importance in recycling. Solar panels, while environmentally friendly, have a limited lifespan of about 25 years, after which they become waste. Proper recycling is crucial to prevent environmental harm due to the high energy consumption of silicon production and the presence of toxic heavy metals like lead, tin, and cadmium. The paper categorizes solar panels into crystalline silicon (c-Si), thin-film, and emerging technologies. Delamination is a critical step in recycling, involving the separation of components such as the junction box, cables, and aluminum frames. Three main delamination techniques are discussed: mechanical, thermal, and chemical. Mechanical delamination is considered the most sustainable and cost-effective, as it minimizes environmental impact and allows for the recovery of intact glass panels. Thermal delamination, though effective, is energy-intensive and produces emissions, while chemical delamination generates hazardous liquids. The paper highlights the advantages of mechanical delamination, including its environmental friendliness and ability to recover high-purity materials. It also discusses current challenges, such as the need for efficient sorting techniques to handle crushed materials. The study concludes that mechanical delamination is the most viable option for recycling EOL solar panels, with potential for further improvements in efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The review emphasizes the importance of developing sustainable recycling methods to manage the growing number of EOL solar panels and ensure a truly sustainable energy future.