Solar panel waste: Hazardous components and proposed treatment technology

Abstract

This paper presents the evaluation results of the hazardous nature of discarded solar panels (PV) based on the National Technical Regulation on Hazardous Waste Thresholds (QCVN 07:2009/BTNMT). After dismantling each material, the PV waste consists of glass, aluminum alloys, junction boxes, electrical wires, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), backsheet plastics, and photovoltaic cells. The concentrations of hazardous substances in the PV modules are analyzed and converted according to QCVN 07:2009/BTNMT, which is significantly lower than the permissible limits. Recycling technology is proposed to recover valuable materials and substitute construction materials.