As more homeowners are switching to solar panels to reduce their electric bills, a new question arises: What happens to these panels once they have reached the end of their life? Surprisingly, many of them end up in landfills. A new innovation by scientists in China could change the game for solar recycling. According to this, a new method enables clean recovery of solar panels for home and commercial systems, without damaging the valuable cells inside.
Recycling Home Solar Panels Without Breaking the Cells
The research team at the Chinese Academy of Sciences has developed a unique swelling process. The process is pretty innovative. The method uses dibasic ester (DBE) to separate glass and EVA backsheets from panels without breaking them. This means even home solar panels can be recycled without losing their functionality. This approach protects the fragile cells inside. In simple terms, instead of tearing the panels apart, they “soak” them in a solution that loosens the layers. The process could significantly cut down waste and make it easier to buy solar panels confidently, knowing they are recyclable.
What makes DBE special?
DBE is considered safer and less toxic than other chemicals. It is made using ingredients like dimethyl succinate, dimethyl glutarate, and dimethyl adipate. It can break down EVA resin effectively without evaporating too quickly because of its high boiling point. Unlike other chemicals, DBE doesn’t harm the delicate solar cells inside. It makes the recycling process a lot more efficient and eco-friendly.
How do solar panels work?
Before diving into the process of best solar panels recycling, it’s helpful to talk about how do solar panel work. They convert sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic cells. In old solar panels on roof systems, exposure to the elements can degrade materials with the passage of time. At this stage, recycling becomes important. This new process doesn’t burn the components. It helps preserve even the most efficient solar panels, making it easier to reuse or repurpose the materials.
The New Swelling Process Explained
The procedure starts with the DBE being applied to the module. They let it seep between the glass and resin layers. Then, they used ultrasonic waves to ease the separation. The recovered material can be further processed without harming the cells.
Moreover, the team tested this new method on a Jinko 535W module, something quite similar to the solar panels on roofs you see in homes today. It worked well, producing fewer cracks and saving the working parts. That’s great news for anyone worried about the cost of solar panels or thinking about whether to buy solar panels now or later. Knowing they can be recycled responsibly adds to the list of the many benefits of solar panels.
Cost Advantages Over Traditional Methods
Besides being safer and greener, the DBE method is also cheaper. Moreover, DBE can be recycled, reducing waste and cost. Furthermore, this method could help bring down expenses in the long run. It also makes the entire solar panel installation process feel like a better investment, both for your home and the planet.
Why is this new technology to recover undamaged solar cells gaining popularity?
The technique to recover undamaged solar cells is gaining traction because of the use of DBE. DBE usually causes fewer cracks as compared to the swelling method, which involves the usage of O-dichlorobenzene. Not only this, but O-dichlorobenzene is quite expensive than DBE. In a nutshell, DBE can make the recovery process of solar cells more manageable and hassle-free. Dibasic ester is not only environmentally sustainable but also quite economical as compared to other available options in the market.
News Source: PV Magazine