Photovoltaic Panels Pyrolysis Recycling Process

With the projected surge in the volume of retired photovoltaic (PV) panels globally, recycled materials are set to become a vital “urban mine” for the PV industry, effectively alleviating the pressure to extract virgin mineral resources. Structurally, PV panels are composites comprising glass, aluminum frames, silicon cells, copper wiring, and encapsulant films. The final products obtained vary significantly depending on the recycling method employed.

To meet specific customer needs, SUNYGROUP pioneered the development of a pyrolysis-based recycling process for PV panels. The primary process flow is outlined below:

Physical Pre-treatment: The aluminum alloy frames and junction boxes of the waste PV panels are removed—either manually or via semi-automated means—to isolate the core panel modules.

Continuous Pyrolysis and Delamination: The waste PV modules are fed into a continuous pyrolysis furnace, where the temperature is controlled (typically between 200°C and 650°C) in an oxygen-deficient or low-oxygen environment. The primary objective is to induce controlled pyrolysis and organic volatilization of the internal encapsulant films (EVA/POE) and polymer backsheet materials, thereby eliminating adhesiveness.

Fine Material Sorting: Following pyrolysis and delamination, the previously bonded materials—such as glass, silicon cells, and copper-tin solder ribbons—separate naturally. Subsequently, equipment for crushing, screening, air-gravity separation, and color sorting is utilized to separate the various materials with high purity.

Exhaust Gas and By-product Treatment: Organic exhaust gases generated during pyrolysis undergo a series of treatments—including secondary combustion, rapid cooling, deacidification, dust removal, and denitrification—to ensure emissions meet regulatory standards.