Recovery strategies for EoL solar panels: Sustainable and circular economy practices

Abstract

The rapid expansion of solar PV technology highlights the need for sustainable End-of-Life (EoL) management to address resource scarcity and environmental sustainability. This study, aligned with SDG 7 and SDG 12, proposes an integrated EoL recycling approach combining thermal, chemical, and green methods to maximize material recovery while minimizing environmental impact. Thermal treatment delaminates panels, preserving silicon wafers and glass, followed by eco-friendly chemical treatments to recover metals like silver and aluminum. This method achieves high-purity material recovery for reuse in solar panel manufacturing and high-value products. By overcoming limitations of traditional methods and incorporating green solvents, it supports circular economy principles and offers cost-effective solutions for global solar panel waste management. Future research should focus on industrial scalability and economic feasibility to advance solar energy's role in sustainable development. © 2025 Emerald Publishing Limited: All rights reserved.