Streamlined process with a sustainable approach for photovoltaic module recycling

The development of energy generation without greenhouse gas emissions is necessary due to climate change, there are different technologies to replace fossil fuels, including the photovoltaic (PV) modules. However, up to 8 million tons of waste PV modules are estimated by 2030 and 78 million tons by 2050. Therefore, developing recycling processes for PV modules is crucial for the recovery and reuse of their components. This investigation presents a simplified recycling process, encompassing characterization as well as dismantling, comminution, and sieving separation stages. During the dismantling phase, 100% of metallic aluminum was separated. Subsequently, the PV structure was reduced to particles smaller than 6.35 mm and strategically classified into fractions. A polymeric fraction (>4.00 mm) containing 33.71% polymers was obtained. The 0.5 mm to 2.00 mm fraction mainly comprised glass (76.85%), and also concentrated 99.37% of Cu. However, it still contained 64.04% polymers. Metals such as Ag were concentrated at 94.12% in fine fractions (<0.25 mm). Additionally, this fraction was also enriched with crystalline silicon.