Photovoltaic Panels End-of-Life Recycling

The largest contribution of electricity production comes from conventional sources including coal and oil that pollute the environment. Renewable energy sources, including solar energy, wind energy and energy storage in batteries, are expected to play a progressively central role in meeting future energy needs in all sectors, largely responding to the increasing demand for energy. In particular, the use of solar energy will be considered as the main solution to global climate change and fossil fuel emissions. Although today's photovoltaic panels have an average lifespan of 25 years, their disposal is a cause for concern when photovoltaic technology is evaluated from the perspective of comprehensive life cycle analysis and End-of-Life management (EoL). We therefore need some innovative solutions that can reduce emissions of pollutants as a result of the recycling of solar panels that no longer work. This manuscript reports some of the most current efficient and effective photovoltaic (PV) panel recycling solutions and the foreseeable developments for such recycling.