Recycling of Silicon-Based Photovoltaic Modules: Mediterranean Region Insight

Ana-María Diez-Suarez (), Marta Martínez-Benavides, Cristina Manteca Donado, Jorge-Juan Blanes-Peiró and Elia Judith Martínez Torres ()
Additional contact information
Ana-María Diez-Suarez: Department of Electrical and Systems Engineering and Automation, University of Leon, Campus Vegazana S/N, 24007 Leon, Spain
Marta Martínez-Benavides: Department of Electrical and Systems Engineering and Automation, University of Leon, Campus Vegazana S/N, 24007 Leon, Spain
Cristina Manteca Donado: School of Mining Engineering and Technology, University of Leon, Campus Vegazana S/N, 24007 Leon, Spain
Jorge-Juan Blanes-Peiró: Department of Electrical and Systems Engineering and Automation, University of Leon, Campus Vegazana S/N, 24007 Leon, Spain
Elia Judith Martínez Torres: Chemical and Environmental Bioprocess Engineering Group, School of Mining Engineering and Technology, University of Leon, Campus Vegazana S/N, 24007 Leon, Spain

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 23, 1-44

Abstract: The rapid expansion of photovoltaic (PV) installations across Mediterranean Europe since 2007 has resulted in a substantial increase in the need for end-of-life (EoL) management strategies for monocrystalline PV modules. This paper reviews the technical challenges and opportunities associated with the recycling of PV modules, focusing on the physical, chemical, and thermal processes currently employed. Despite advancements in recycling technology, significant gaps remain in infrastructure and regulatory enforcement, particularly in Mediterranean countries. The recovery of valuable materials such as silicon, silver, and glass presents both economic and environmental benefits, although the costs of recycling remain a key barrier to widespread adoption. Our analysis suggests that optimizing these recycling processes could improve their profitability and scalability, enabling more effective resource recovery. The paper concludes with recommendations for policy and infrastructure development to support the sustainable management of PV waste across the Mediterranean region.

Keywords: photovoltaic module recycling; silicon recovery; Mediterranean Europe; WEEE Directive; physical processes; chemical processes; thermal recycling (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/23/6015/pdf (application/pdf)
https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/23/6015/ (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:23:p:6015-:d:1533076

Access Statistics for this article

Energies is currently edited by Ms. Agatha Cao

More articles in Energies from MDPI
Bibliographic data for series maintained by MDPI Indexing Manager ().