Can solar panels be recycled?
Can solar panels be recycled? The answer to this question is yes, solar panels can indeed be recycled. However, this process involves some factors that require special attention.
The materials used in the manufacturing process of solar panels, such as aluminum, glass, copper and silicon, can be widely recycled and reused. But at the same time, there are some components that require professional handling.
In the UK, for example, it is illegal to landfill solar panels. This is because these boards sometimes contain small amounts of toxic substances such as lead and cadmium, and must be disposed of according to certain legal requirements and standards.
In addition, solar panels are mainly divided into two types: silicon-based and film-based, and each type is recycled and processed differently. Traditional silicon panel recycling begins with material separation, where aluminum and glass components are recycled and then heated to evaporate the remaining plastic. Finally, the silicon cells and wafers are further separated and processed.
Solar panels recycling
The processing of film substrates is more complex. The film first needs to be shredded and laminate removed, then the fragment size is reduced to <6mm. The remaining liquid and solid materials are then separated by a rotating screw and further processed to completely separate the various materials.
Shredding plays an important role in solar panel recycling. It helps free up elements in the composite material that might otherwise be “locked” in the panels. By releasing these elements, downstream recycling equipment can perform its role better, achieving maximum possible reuse and increasing recycling rates.
Not only does this help protect the planet’s rare elements from ending up in landfills, it also ensures that the resources used to manufacture solar panels are continuously reused.
Typical systems for processing photovoltaic panels include infeed conveyors, pre-shredders, vibrating disc feeders, outfeed conveyors, magnetic separators, secondary shredders, eddy current separators, etc. You can consult our technical manager for specific solutions.
