How to efficiently recycle scrap photovoltaic solar panels?

Recycling scrap photovoltaic (PV) solar panels is an essential practice in the renewable energy industry. As the global demand for solar energy continues to rise, the number of decommissioned PV panels is expected to grow exponentially. Efficient recycling methods not only protect the environment but also recover valuable materials that can be reused in new solar panels or other applications. One effective solution is the use of solar panel recycling machines.

Henan DOING, as a professional waste recycling machinery manufacturer, can provide one-stop service at a relatively favorable price. Our solar panel recycling machine can efficiently recycle scrap photovoltaic solar panels to obtain aluminum frames, glass particles, silicon, copper and plastic. In this article, we will explore the efficiency of solar panel recycling machine in terms of both working principles and benefits.

Solar panel recycling machine

Understanding Solar Panel Recycling Machines

The solar panel recycling machine we develop and produce adopts dismantling, crushing and separation technologies to process scrap photovoltaic solar panels and recover the reusable silicon, silver, copper and aluminum, with a recovery rate of over 98%. The solar panel recycling machine typically consist of several stages:

1.Disassembly: 

The scrap photovoltaic solar panels are first disassembled into easily processable components. First, remove the module junction box, wires, etc. by machine or manually. The aluminum frame of scrap photovoltaic panel is removed by a frame removing machine. Then use glass removing machine to remove the glass from the surface of the scrap solar panel. DOING glass removing machine adopts a heated blade separation method. The blade heated to 300°C melts the EVA layer and completely separates the glass and other materials for recycling.

Glass removing machine

2.Material Crushing and Separation:

After the glass is removed, the scrap photovoltaic solar panels are then sent to the crushing and separation system, which sends the photovoltaic solar cells to the double-shaft shredder to shred them into small pieces of 1-2cm. Then they enter the crusher for secondary crushing. The crushed materials are collected and sent to the grinder under negative pressure, which grinds the materials into powder. If the particles are too large and do not meet the particle size requirements, they are returned to the grinding mill for further grinding.

3.Material Recovery:

Final products

Advanced technologies such as magnetic separation, electrostatic and airflow separators are used to separate metal and silicon powder. Qualified materials enter the air and electrostatic separator, where copper, silicon and plastic are screened out. The separated materials can be reused. For example, recycled silicon can be refined and reused in new solar panels.

Benefits of Using Solar Panel Recycling Machine

1.Environmental Impact Reduction:

By recycling PV panels, we prevent valuable materials from ending up in landfills, thereby reducing pollution and conserving natural resources. Besides, our solar panel recycling machine is equipped with dust removing system, without any secondary pollution. It's estimated that each ton of recycled PV panels saves around 5 tons of raw materials and reduces CO2 emissions by approximately 1.5 tons compared to producing new panels from virgin materials.

2.Economic Benefits and Resource Conservation:

Solar panel recycling machine

DOING solar panel recycling machine can recycle materials such as aluminum, copper, silicon, etc., which have high market value. For example, the core material silicon can be reused in the heavy metal industry, glass can be sent to the glass manufacturing industry, aluminum frames can be sent to aluminum refineries, cables, joints, etc. can be reused in the form of copper beads after being crushed, and waste plastics can be used as fuel.

3.Regulatory Compliance: 

Many countries have regulations regarding the disposal of electronic waste, including PV solar panels. Using solar panel recycling machine ensures compliance with environmental laws and standards, avoiding fines and penalties.

Overall, DOING solar panel recycling machine provides an efficient and environmentally friendly method to recycle waste photovoltaic solar panels and obtain considerable benefits. If you are interested in solar panel recycling business, please contact us for consultation.