solar panel disposal FAQ

How to Turn Waste Photovoltaic Panels into Treasure

Transforming waste photovoltaic panels from potential waste into treasured resources is a key step in driving the renewable energy sector towards a sustainable circular economy. This transformation is achieved through the effective practice of solar panel recycling equipment, which not only reduces environmental pollution but also enables the recovery and reuse of valuable materials. Here’s a detailed exploration of how this transformation occurs.

What is the process of recycling waste photovoltaic panels?

The process of turning scrap solar PV panels into treasure revolves around a meticulous recycling process. Taking YUSHUNXIN the solar panel recycling equipment as an example, it uses advanced technology to dismantle, crush and separate photovoltaic modules into their main components, turning them into valuable commodities again. The process is typically includes:

Solar panel disassembly plant

Collection and disassembly

First, make full preparations for collection to ensure that there are enough photovoltaic panels for recycling. Then, professional dismantling equipment such as aluminum frame removing machine and glass removing machine are used to accurately separate the aluminum frame, glass and solar cells on the photovoltaic panel. The aluminum frame and glass have a high recycling value and can be directly recycled after separation in this step.

Shredding and crushing

Initial shredding
Secondary grinding

After the previous disassembly process, the solar cell enters the crushing stage, where high-speed motion is used to apply force to solar cell, breaking it into small fragments. Such as double shafts shredder and hammer mill. These small fragments facilitate subsequent separation operations.

Gravity separation machine
electrostatic separator

Material separation

Depending on the differences in the properties of the materials, the separation equipment such as gravity separator, electrostatic separator can finely separate the materials into silicon, metals (mainly copper, a small amount of silver) and non-metals.

How to get more profits from waste photovoltaic panels recycling?

Solar photovoltaic panels are made of a variety of materials, including glass, aluminum, silicon, and metals such as silver and copper. If they are directly discarded, they are not only a waste of resources, but also may become electronic waste, which threatens the environment and health.

By treating scrap solar panels as resources rather than waste, we can recover and reuse a large number of valuable materials. For example:

  • Glass, which accounts for more than 75% of the panels, can be cleaned and reused in the glass industry or new solar modules.

  • Aluminum frames can be melted down and re-formed, saving energy compared to raw aluminum production.

  • Silicon cells, although requiring complex processing, can be recycled and reused in the production of new solar cells.

  • Metals such as silver and copper are precious commodities, and recycling can reduce the need for mining.

  • Plastics and other polymers can be processed and used in various manufacturing applications.

What is the beneficial of using solar panel recycling machines?

The application of solar panel recycling equipment brings many benefits:

Resource conservation

Recycling photovoltaic panels significantly reduces the need for raw materials, conserves natural resources, and minimizes environmental degradation associated with mining and extraction.

Economic value

Recycled materials have significant market value, creating new revenue streams for recyclers and reducing the overall cost of solar production in the long run.

Environmental stewardship

By diverting waste from landfill and preventing the release of pollutants, recycling helps create a cleaner environment and supports global climate action goals.

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