Innovating the recycling of silicon-based solar panels with an eco-friendly alkaline leaching process

Abstract

As the accumulation of waste from solar panels and solar scraps rapidly increases, recycling these materials has become increasingly critical. Unfortunately, the complexity of disassembling solar panels often renders the recycling process unprofitable due to the low value of the recovered products, resulting in high service fees. Although numerous studies have sought to simplify the disassembly process and enhance the purity of the recovered products, these solutions often involve costly, toxic, and complex methods. In response, we introduce an innovative green recycling technique using a straightforward alkaline leaching process. This method allows for efficient recycling and refining of solar cells, yielding high-purity SiO₂ (99.994 %) at a recycling rate of 92.74 % and generating green hydrogen. A preliminary cost analysis indicates that this process holds substantial commercial potential and high profitability. The proposed technique offers a new pathway towards making renewable energy sources more sustainable and economically feasible.