Module Recycling

PV modules are classified as electronic waste according to the “Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment” guideline (WEEE guideline 2012/19 / EU). They must therefore be recycled (collection rate 85%, recovery rate 80%). In Germany, more than 60 GWp of PV capacity are currently installed. This corresponds to a volume of over 5 million tons of solar modules. These modules contain a variety of valuable materials that can be recovered. The PV modules currently installed in Germany contain a total of over 3.5 million tons of highly transparent, low-iron flat glass, 600,000 tons of aluminum (from the frames), 150,000 tons of silicon, 25,000 tons of copper and 1,800 tons of silver. The total value of the raw materials contained is over €4 billion. At the Fraunhofer CSP, we have developed recycling processes for the recovery of all inorganic components of solar modules. From the recovered silicon, new crystals can be produced from 100% recycled silicon, processed into wafers and then processed into new PERC solar cells. By recovering these materials, we are helping to improve the sustainability of solar power generation and to secure the supply of raw materials. At the Fraunhofer CSP, we have a wide range of analytical equipment to determine the purity of the recovered secondary raw materials.

Our R&D-Services on the Topic »Module Recycling« Include:

Process Development for Recycling Processes
Wet Chemical Etching
Investigation of Impurity Contents in Silicon Using Glow Discharge Mass Spectrometry (GDMS)

We develop and optimize recycling processes, starting with mechanical disintegration, classification and sorting. We have a wide range of equipment at our disposal in the following areas:

• Comminution technology:
  • Single-shaft shredder
  • Cutting mill
  • Ball mill
  • Jaw crusher

• Sorting:
  • Tumbler screen
  • Magnetic tape cutter
  • Electrostatic corona drum separator
  • Air separation table
• Thermal treatment:
  • Rotary kiln (continuously operable)
  • Muffle furnace
  • Incinerator

By combining various process steps, efficient processes can be developed for different materials.

We carry out wet chemical processes on a laboratory and small technical scale (up to 300 liters of etching bath volume) for cleaning or separating materials. By varying the etching regime and process parameters, a wide range of tasks can be processed and mastered. For example, precious metals are recovered from EoL PV modules, or process waste from Si wafer production, such as saw dust or saw cuttings, is cleaned.

Dissolved metals are recovered from used etching baths by chemical precipitation reactions, the use of ion exchangers or electrolysis. Spent etching baths are recycled and reintroduced into the etching process by diffusion dialysis and other membrane separation processes. This minimizes the consumption of chemicals, conserves resources and reduces disposal costs.