Silicon Module Recycling via High-Power Lasers

DuraMAT aims to revolutionize photovoltaic (PV) waste management by developing a cutting-edge, sustainable recycling process. This approach uses a laser-based recycling solution to address critical environmental challenges associated with end-of-life PV modules.

These modules contain valuable materials like silicon, silver, and glass, which can be reclaimed to reduce environmental impact and ensure proper waste management. Current recycling methods are often neither cost-effective nor environmentally sustainable, and the laser approach can help overcome these challenges.

An innovative PV module recycling technique using high-power lasers allows recovery of glass and silicon for reuse. The initial cost analysis shows that the laser technique is cost-effective. The developed technique also offers environmentally friendly solutions for PV waste recycling.

PV modules are designed to last over 30 years and contain fragile materials like glass and silicon, making them difficult to dismantle. Our laser recycling technique offers a breakthrough solution. Precisely directing a focused laser beam at specific interfaces within the module causes localized heating, thereby breaking interfacial bonds. This enables controlled separation of glass from silicon. The laser process parameters have been optimized for high throughput, low cost, and recovery of materials without causing breakage.

The laser-based recycling process enables the recovery of high-quality glass with approximately 92% optical transparency—comparable to new glass used in PV modules. This reclaimed glass is ideal for reuse in new solar panels and other applications requiring high optical transparency. We also achieved a remarkable milestone in recovering silicon wafers without breakage. Reclaiming materials via our laser recycling process offers immense potential for reuse in new solar cells, semiconductor devices, and greenhouse applications. The reclaimed silicon wafers can also serve as a valuable feedstock for future silicon production for PV modules and semiconductor devices, contributing to more sustainable manufacturing practices.

This laser-based recycling method not only mitigates the environmental hazards associated with PV module disposal but also supports the recovery of valuable materials for future reuse.