Project Team
Students
Aiden O’Brien
Energy Engineering
University Park, Abington
Faculty Mentors
Mohammad Rezaee
University Park
Energy and Mineral Engineering
Tsunami Sharmba
University Park
Energy and Mineral Engineering
Project
https://sites.psu.edu/mcreu/files/formidable/2/2024-07-22/Poster-Snapshot-PDF.jpg.pdf
Project Video
Project Abstract
The renewable energy sector is a rapidly expanding field with solar PV energy playing a pivotal role. Despite its benefits, the issue of solar PV waste remains a significant challenge, as many end-of-life (EOL) panels are growing, increasing the environmental burden they hold. Establishing a solar PV recycling industry will not only mitigate the accumulation of solar waste but also stimulate a circular economy within the renewable energy sector, allowing for the recovery and reuse of rare earth elements (REEs) in new solar panels. This poster aims to analyze various works to evaluate where solar recycling is heading and what more can be done in terms of sustainability as it relates to the economy, technology, and stewardship fields. PV panels contain some of the rarest materials on Earth, and efficiently extracting these materials from EOL panels presents significant potential value and market demand. Additionally, mandated PV recycling by governments can foster more environmentally conscious commercial consumers and enhance a country’s green image. Through an analysis of scholarly articles, it is evident that the potential for solar PV recycling is substantial, though specific estimates depend on various factors including market conditions and technological advancements. These outcomes are achievable if a circular approach to PV recycling is adopted, and recycling methods are continuously improved. Furthermore, effective stewardship, modeled on the European Union’s WEEE (Waste Electronical and Electronic Equipment) directive with an emphasis on extended producer responsibility (EPR), is essential. Ultimately, the opportunity for a new solar PV recycling market is attainable through the continuous development of solar efficiency, a circular supply chain approach, and increased government awareness and regulation of solar waste.
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