ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Recycling of Silicon-Based Photovoltaic Panels: Benefits, Challenges and Future Directions
1
Faculty of Civil Engineering and Resource Management, Department of Environmental Engineering, AGH University of Krakow, Kraków, Poland
These authors had equal contribution to this work
Submission date: 2024-11-14
Final revision date: 2025-08-24
Acceptance date: 2025-09-10
Online publication date: 2025-09-15
Publication date: 2025-09-15
Corresponding author
Mustapha Wahman
Department of Environmental Engineering, AGH University of Krakow, Al. A. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059, Krakow, Poland
Department of Environmental Engineering, AGH University of Krakow, Al. A. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059, Krakow, Poland
Civil and Environmental Engineering Reports 2025;35(4):116-136
KEYWORDS
photovoltaic waste managementcrystalline silicon (c-Si) recyclingcircular economyresource recoveryand sustainable development
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
By 2050, the global capacity of photovoltaic (PV) systems is projected to reach approximately 4500 GW, which will lead to an estimated 60–78 million tons of PV waste. This increase presents significant environmental challenges due to hazardous elements like lead and tin in PV modules, necessitating sustainable waste management solutions. This study examines the current technological, economic, and regulatory barriers to recycling c-Si PV modules. Findings indicate that recycling can diminish terrestrial ecotoxicity by 74% and lower greenhouse gas emissions by 24% across the life cycle of PV modules, compared to traditional disposal. Additionally, recycled materials could satisfy over 20% of the PV industry’s demand for aluminium, copper, glass, and silicon and nearly 70% for silver between 2040 and 2050. To drive recycling forward, the study proposes a circular economy model for PV waste management, advocating for policy harmonization, industry-led recycling incentives, and technological innovations that improve material recycling and recovery.
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