TY - JOUR

T1 - Advancements and Challenges in Photovoltaic Cell Recycling: A Comprehensive Review

AU - Gerold, Eva

AU - Antrekowitsch, Helmut

N1 - Publisher Copyright: © 2024 by the authors.

PY - 2024/3/20

Y1 - 2024/3/20

N2 - This review examines the complex landscape of photovoltaic (PV) module recycling and outlines the challenges hindering widespread adoption and efficiency. Technological complexities resulting from different module compositions, different recycling processes and economic hurdles are significant barriers. Inadequate infrastructure, regulatory gaps and limited awareness are also hampering progress. In addition, this analysis draws parallels between the development of PV module recycling and recycling technologies for other high-tech products, such as lithium-ion batteries, highlighting similarities in regulatory and technical feasibility challenges. Amid these challenges, however, lie opportunities for a sustainable future. Technological advances, stakeholder collaboration and the adoption of circular economy principles emerge as key ways forward. This review highlights the need for concerted action to overcome barriers and drive the development of efficient and sustainable PV module recycling practices.

AB - This review examines the complex landscape of photovoltaic (PV) module recycling and outlines the challenges hindering widespread adoption and efficiency. Technological complexities resulting from different module compositions, different recycling processes and economic hurdles are significant barriers. Inadequate infrastructure, regulatory gaps and limited awareness are also hampering progress. In addition, this analysis draws parallels between the development of PV module recycling and recycling technologies for other high-tech products, such as lithium-ion batteries, highlighting similarities in regulatory and technical feasibility challenges. Amid these challenges, however, lie opportunities for a sustainable future. Technological advances, stakeholder collaboration and the adoption of circular economy principles emerge as key ways forward. This review highlights the need for concerted action to overcome barriers and drive the development of efficient and sustainable PV module recycling practices.

KW - environmental impact of PV module recycling

KW - photovoltaic cell recycling

KW - photovoltaic technology

KW - sustainable technology for energy production

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85189009284&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.3390/su16062542

DO - 10.3390/su16062542

M3 - Review article

VL - 16.2024

JO - Sustainability

JF - Sustainability

SN - 2071-1050

IS - 6

M1 - 2542

ER -