Work

Critical evaluation of technological, environmental, and economic recyclability for typical EOL PV cells considering technological iteration and temporal dynamics

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Managing end-of-life (EoL) photovoltaic (PV) modules is a critical sustainability challenge amplified by rapid PV expansion. Yet current recyclability assessments often lack a dynamic, multi-dimensional analysis. To address this shortfall, this study develops a framework to dynamically assess technical ( R T ), environmental ( R Env ), and economic ( R E ) recyclability for major PV technologies (monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, cadmium telluride, copper indium gallium selenide), complemented by a global sensitivity and uncertainty analysis. Results reveal distinct recyclability profiles: CdTe demonstrated the highest technical recyclability ( R T ) and the strongest comprehensive performance, while thin-film technologies like CIGS showed the greatest potential environmental benefits ( R Env ), and early silver-rich c-Si generations were the most economically valuable, with gross market values up to 1.06 USD/kg, and CdTe also showing strong R E (0.64 USD/kg). Crucially, the analysis reveals a clear hierarchy of robustness among the metrics. R T is a robust indicator driven by material content ( P i ). R Env exhibits significant uncertainty, co-dominated by both material content ( P i ) and carbon factors ( CF i ). R E is the most volatile metric, overwhelmingly influenced by the market prices ( v i ) of a few key metals. This research underscores the inherent trade-offs between front-end manufacturing choices and back-end recycling incentives, highlighting the necessity of using dynamic, multi-dimensional assessments to guide targeted eco-design and policies for a circular PV economy.

Source: Waste Management

DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2025.115143

Authors: Xi He, Jiaxuan Wu, Kaihan Cai, Xinlai Zeng, Wenyi Yuan, Qingbin Song

Institutions: Macau University of Science and Technology, National Observation and Research Station of Coastal Ecological Environments in Macao, Tsinghua University, Shanghai Polytechnic University

Language: English

Topic: Photovoltaic Systems and Sustainability

Subfield: Environmental Engineering

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Affordable and clean energy, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Climate action

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,450