Recovering Silicon and Silver: France's CEA Developing Breakthrough Tech for PV Panel Recycling
France’s CEA (The French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission) has recently developed a new technology that can recover silicon and silver from end-of-life (EOL) photovoltaic (PV) panels. This groundbreaking development not only contributes to the circular economy, but also helps the solar industry to be more sustainable and cost-effective.
PV panels usually have a lifespan of 25-30 years and are expected to produce energy efficiently during this time. However, when they reach the end of their lifespan, they become EOL products, which are usually disposed of by dismantling and dumping in landfills. This process poses a major environmental risk, as EOL PV panels contain hazardous materials such as lead, cadmium, and selenium, which can cause harm to both human health and the environment.
The new technology developed by CEA provides an alternative solution to the problem of disposing of EOL PV panels. The process involves recovering silicon and silver, which are two of the most valuable materials in the composition of PV panels. The process consists of two stages. The first is a mechanical treatment, in which the panels are crushed and separated into different components. The second is a chemical treatment, in which the silicon and silver are extracted.
The recovered silicon can be used to produce new PV panels, which reduces the need for virgin materials and lowers the cost of manufacturing new panels. The recovered silver is often of higher quality than newly mined silver, making it more valuable and sustainable.
The development of this technology marks a major step forward in the solar industry's efforts to become more sustainable and environmentally friendly. It not only reduces the environmental impact of disposing of EOL PV panels, but also makes solar power a more cost-effective and attractive option for both commercial and residential applications.
CEA's technology also contributes to the circular economy, which aims to keep resources in use for as long as possible, minimizing waste and reducing the need for virgin materials. By recovering valuable materials from EOL PV panels, the technology helps to close the material loop and create a more sustainable industry.
In conclusion, France’s CEA has developed an innovative and sustainable solution to the disposal of EOL PV panels. The technology enables the recovery of silicon and silver, which are two of the most valuable materials in the composition of PV panels. This development contributes to the circular economy, making the solar industry more sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly.