Solar photovoltaic panels as next generation waste: a review

doi:10.33263/briac96.539546

Cited by 25 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 33 publications

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“…Moreover, the contamination of water with these metals can have harmful effects on aquatic creatures, especially algae. PV cells are made of different substances that can be classified into carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic materials [63]. When these substances come into contact with humans or animals via skin adsorption, breathing, or ingestion, they are responsible for tumor formation.…”

Section: Toxicity and Environmental Pollution From Discarded Solar Panelmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Sustainable Treatment of Spent Photovoltaic Solar Panels Using Plasma Pyrolysis Technology and Its Economic Significance

Chiang,

Han,

Claire

et al. 2024

Clean Technol.

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In the past few decades, the solar energy market has increased significantly, with an increasing number of photovoltaic (PV) modules being deployed around the world each year. Some believe that these PV modules have a lifespan of around 25–30 years. As their lifetime is limited, solar panels wind up in the waste stream after their end of life (EoL). Several ecological challenges are associated with their inappropriate disposal due to the presence of hazardous heavy metals (HMs). Some studies have reported different treatment technologies, including pyrolysis, stabilization, physical separation, landfill, and the use of chemicals. Each proposed treatment technique pollutes the environment and underutilizes the potential resources present in discarded solar panels (DSPs). This review recommends thermal plasma pyrolysis as a promising treatment technology. This process will have significant advantages, such as preventing toxic HMs from contaminating the soil and groundwater, reducing the amount of e-waste from DSPs in an environmentally friendly and economical way, and allows the utilization of the valuable resources contained in EoL photovoltaic solar panel modules by converting them into hydrogen-rich syngas to generate thermal energy, electricity, and non-leachable slag that can be used as an additive in other treatment processes or as a conditioner to improve soil properties. However, plasma pyrolysis uses a high temperature to break down waste materials, a challenge which can be offset by the integration of this process in anaerobic digestion (AD), as the slag from plasma pyrolysis can be used as an additive in AD treatments to produce high yields of biogas and improve nutrient recovery. Moreover, the produced energy from both processes can operate the entire plant in which they take place and increase the net energy production, a resource which can be sold for an additional income. Future challenges and recommendations are also highlighted.

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Section: Toxicity and Environmental Pollution From Discarded Solar Panelmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…genic and non-carcinogenic materials [63]. When these substances come into contact with humans or animals via skin adsorption, breathing, or ingestion, they are responsible for tumor formation.…”

Section: Toxicity and Environmental Pollution From Discarded Solar Panelmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sustainable Treatment of Spent Photovoltaic Solar Panels Using Plasma Pyrolysis Technology and Its Economic Significance

Chiang,

Han,

Claire

et al. 2024

Clean Technol.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Other benefits include zero risk, safe use, low maintenance costs, and high durability [80]. It is forecasted that the PV-powered electricity share will be more than 20% across the world by 2050 [81]. However, Sunanda et al [82] reported that the amount of solid waste produced from the disposal of solar panels has not been accurately determined, and this will become a problem for the photovoltaic energy sector in the future.…”

Section: The Use Of Solar Photovoltaic Systems In Dcsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Review on Green Cooling: Exploring the Benefits of Sustainable Energy-Powered District Cooling with Thermal Energy Storage

Al-Nini

Almahbashi

et al. 2023

Sustainability

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This paper examines the economic and environmental impacts of district cooling systems (DCS) that are integrated with renewable energy sources and thermal energy storage (TES). Typically, a DCS offers a highly efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional air conditioning systems, providing cool air to buildings and communities through a centralized system that uses chilled water. However, the integration of renewable energy and thermal energy storage into these systems can further increase their sustainability and efficiency, reducing their dependence on fossil fuels and improving their ability to handle fluctuations in demand. The goal of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the current state of the art of renewable energy-driven DCS with TES integrated and to highlight the benefits and challenges associated with these systems. Finally, the findings of this paper offer valuable insights into the potential for renewable energy-powered district cooling systems to contribute to a more sustainable and efficient built environment.

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Microbial Degradation of Synthetic Plastics Released from COVID-19 Generated Single Use Disposable Face Masks

Priyadarshini,

Santhosh Kumar,

Das

2024

Environmental Science and Engineering

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Solar photovoltaic panels as next generation waste: a review

Cited by 25 publications

References 33 publications

Sustainable Treatment of Spent Photovoltaic Solar Panels Using Plasma Pyrolysis Technology and Its Economic Significance

Sustainable Treatment of Spent Photovoltaic Solar Panels Using Plasma Pyrolysis Technology and Its Economic Significance

A Review on Green Cooling: Exploring the Benefits of Sustainable Energy-Powered District Cooling with Thermal Energy Storage

Microbial Degradation of Synthetic Plastics Released from COVID-19 Generated Single Use Disposable Face Masks

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