Solar Panels Recycling _
Energy industry has been experiencing a radical change
and sharp shift towards renewable energy sourcing. The photovoltaic (PV) solar panels are a sustainable source of energy, dependent on solar radiation, and capable of delivering electricity.
However, it does not look sustainable stays that way upon the end of its life cycle. What happens to solar panels when they fail to perform efficiently?
How long do solar panels last? Most people have in mind when considering solar panels. According to studies, the life expectancy of solar panels is about 30 years before decommissioning. During the life of photovoltaic panels, a 20% decrease in power capacity might occur. Between the first 10 to 12 years, the maximum decrease in efficiency is 10%, and 20% when reaching 25 years. These figures are guaranteed by the majority of manufacturers.
In reality, the efficiency drops by merely 6 to 8% after 25 years. The lifespan of solar panels may thus be much longer than officially stated. The lifespan of high quality PV panels may even reach 30 to 40 years, and be still functional afterwards, though with decreasing efficacy.
PV panel waste still falls under the general waste classification. A sole exception exists at EU-level, where PV panels are defined as e-waste in the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive. The PV panel waste management is thus regulated by this directive, additionally to other legal frameworks.
Solar cells manufacturers are bound by law to fulfil specific legal requirements and recycling standards in order to make sure that solar panels do not become a burden to the environment. That is when technologies to recycle solar panels started emerging.
H&H Pro Limited has commenced the turn-key services of PV solar panels recycling area.
The ESG machines have been designed to recycle and recover all photo voltaic panels mono and poly crystalline made by mono-layer glass technology. No thermic or chemical process is required in the ESG machines. The automation of INDUSTRY 4.0 managed by PC interfaced to PLC is possible to register all information about solar panels sorted by brand, model and serial number.
Recycled materials by ESG machines
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Glass (Front cover of panel)
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Aluminum (Frame)
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Plastics (EVA)
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Silicon (Cells)
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Metal such as lead, copper, gallium, cadmium and silver (JB)
Performance of ESG machines
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Capacity: 1,100.5 kg/h (6,000 Ton/year)
50 panel/h (272,000 panel/year)
