Photovoltaic Module Dismantling Equipment Technology

As the wave of photovoltaic (PV) module decommissioning accelerates, the equipment used for dismantling these modules is undergoing profound technological transformation. The shift from traditional methods—such as chemical immersion and high-temperature pyrolysis—to fully physical, automated dismantling processes has not only boosted recycling efficiency but has also established environmental sustainability as a defining feature of the PV industry’s closed-loop supply chain.

Unlike traditional pyrolysis, fully physical dismantling processes require no chemical reagents and avoid high-temperature thermal decomposition; by preventing the generation of harmful gases at the source, they achieve truly eco-friendly recycling. A prime example is a containerized, fully physical dismantling system developed independently by a specific enterprise: it boasts a processing capacity of at least 45 modules per hour and an annual throughput exceeding 10,000 tons. Compared to traditional pyrolysis, energy consumption is reduced by over 45%, and overall recycling costs are more than 30% lower than those of conventional fixed-facility plants. This technological advantage not only delivers significant economic benefits to the enterprise but also serves as a model for the green development of the PV module recycling industry.

A complete PV module dismantling system typically operates through a series of specific process steps—including junction box removal, frame detachment, module heating, backsheet removal, and the scraping of adhesive-coated solar cells—enabling the full separation of aluminum alloy frames, junction boxes, metal ribbons, polymer backsheets, adhesive-coated cells, and PV glass. This precision dismantling approach yields impressive recovery rates for high-value components. Research indicates that, through intelligent dismantling and material regeneration technologies, the recovery rate for precious metals like silver can exceed 95%. The high-purity silicon and silver recovered can be fed directly back into the PV supply chain for the manufacture of new modules, while glass and aluminum can be supplied to related sectors such as the building materials industry, thereby achieving efficient closed-loop integration with key supply chains like PV manufacturing and green construction materials.