Environmental influence assessment of China’s multi-crystalline silicon (multi-Si) photovoltaic modules considering recycling process

Huang, Beijia; Zhao, Juan; Chai, Jingyang; Xue, Bing; Zhao, Feng; Wang, Xiangyu

doi:10.1016/j.solener.2016.12.038

Cited by 133 publications

(61 citation statements)

References 28 publications

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“…However, there are a few studies, particularly for c-Si, that focus on the impacts of recycling processes for PV technologies [6,7] and some of them even compare these process with other scenarios such as landfill [8] and incineration [9]. Although the mentioned works are a step in the right direction, there is a need for a more comprehensive inventory of different recycling possibilities.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Lately, there has been increasing interest and research on the impact of recycling processes of PV modules. Most of the studies in c-Si have focused on the impacts of a specific recycling process [6,7], while some of them compare recycling process with other scenarios such as landfill [8] and incineration [9]. This report compares the environmental impacts of landfill, incineration, reuse and three potential recycling options (mechanical, thermal and chemical routes) of EoL c-Si solar modules, considering results already described in the literature.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of End-of-Life Silicon Solar Photovoltaic Modules

et al. 2018

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Abstract:The cumulative global photovoltaic (PV) waste reached 250,000 metric tonnes by the end of 2016 and is expected to increase considerably in the future. Hence, adequate end-of-life (EoL) management for PV modules must be developed. Today, most of the EoL modules go to landfill, mainly because recycling processes for PV modules are not yet economically feasible and regulation in most countries is not yet well established. Nevertheless, several methods for recycling PV modules are under development. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a methodology that quantifies the environmental impacts of a process or a product. An attributional LCA was undertaken to compare landfill, incineration, reuse and recycling (mechanical, thermal and chemical routes) of EoL crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar modules, based on a combination of real process data and assumptions. The results show that recovery of materials from solar modules results in lower environmental impacts compared to other EoL scenarios, considering our assumptions. The impacts could be even lower with the adoption of more complex processes that can reclaim more materials. Although recycling processes can achieve good recycling rates and recover almost all materials from solar modules, attention must be paid to the use of toxic substances during the chemical routes of recycling and to the distance to recycling centres due to the impacts of transportation.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of End-of-Life Silicon Solar Photovoltaic Modules

et al. 2018

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“…China supplies almost 95% of the total rare earth metals used in the world [11]. The process of mining and recycling these metals in China could cause some climatic changes and could also be toxic to humans [121].…”

Section: Land Usementioning

confidence: 99%

Future Challenges and Mitigation Methods for High Photovoltaic Penetration: A Survey

et al. 2018

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Integration of high volume (high penetration) of photovoltaic (PV) generation with power grids consequently leads to some technical challenges that are mainly due to the intermittent nature of solar energy, the volume of data involved in the smart grid architecture, and the impact power electronic-based smart inverters. These challenges include reverse power flow, voltage fluctuations, power quality issues, dynamic stability, big data challenges and others. This paper investigates the existing challenges with the current level of PV penetration and looks into the challenges with high PV penetration in future scenarios such as smart cities, transactive energy, proliferation of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), possible eclipse events, big data issues and environmental impacts. Within the context of these future scenarios, this paper reviewed the existing solutions and provides insights to new and future solutions that could be explored to ultimately address these issues and improve the smart grid's security, reliability and resiliency.

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“…Global warming potential (GWP) produced by recycling of 1 ton of Si PV panels is equal to 370 kgCO 2 eq [11], saving approximately 800-1200 kgCO 2 eq in case of a module 100% manufactured from primary materials [12]. Hence, the recycling scenario has less environmental impact in comparison with the landfilling one [13].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Economic Feasibility for Recycling of Waste Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Modules

D’Adamo

Miliacca

Rosa

2017

International Journal of Photoenergy

103

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Cumulative photovoltaic (PV) power installed in 2016 was equal to 305 GW. Five countries (China, Japan, Germany, the USA, and Italy) shared about 70% of the global power. End-of-life (EoL) management of waste PV modules requires alternative strategies than landfill, and recycling is a valid option. Technological solutions are already available in the market and environmental benefits are highlighted by the literature, while economic advantages are not well defined. The aim of this paper is investigating the financial feasibility of crystalline silicon (Si) PV module-recycling processes. Two well-known indicators are proposed for a reference 2000 tons plant: net present value (NPV) and discounted payback period (DPBT). NPV/size is equal to −0.84 €/kg in a baseline scenario. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis is conducted, in order to improve the solidity of the obtained results. NPV/size varies from −1.19 €/kg to −0.50 €/kg. The absence of valuable materials plays a key role, and process costs are the main critical variables.

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Environmental influence assessment of China’s multi-crystalline silicon (multi-Si) photovoltaic modules considering recycling process

Cited by 133 publications

References 28 publications

Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of End-of-Life Silicon Solar Photovoltaic Modules

Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of End-of-Life Silicon Solar Photovoltaic Modules

Future Challenges and Mitigation Methods for High Photovoltaic Penetration: A Survey

Economic Feasibility for Recycling of Waste Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Modules

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