Processos de reciclagem de módulos fotovoltaicos de primeira geração

Abstract

The increase in photovoltaic installations over the last decade has resulted in the increase in the level of photovoltaic waste leading to growing concern. Studies show that by 2050 there will be between 60 and 78 million tons of photovoltaic waste in circulation, therefore, a critical assessment of the possible challenges, opportunities and models that may become arguments for a critical analysis of recycling is necessary. Adopting circular economy principles helps offset environmental factors such as emissions associated with manufacturing stages and increase recycling and recovery rates. Crystalline silicon (c-Si) modules have had an 80–90% market share over the past 40 years and will make up the majority of the projected photovoltaic waste stream. This analysis will contribute to an understanding of the manufacturing processes of the c-Si-based module and to a better approach to the challenge of recycling this vast and inevitable waste stream. Recycling processes offer the best potential for optimal recovery of material and energy found in first generation modules promoting a truly circular economy within the well-established photovoltaic industry. This work deals with methods of recycling first-generation photovoltaic modules and evaluates the contribution of such processes to the environment, as well as to the reduction of raw material extraction, through life cycle assessment, which is the most important methodology. used academically and industrially in determining the environmental impacts caused by the products or services evaluated, including photovoltaic modules. Due to the aforementioned theme, several recycling techniques can be applied, for the Brazilian scenario two methods stand out: the first uses the pyrolysis process for the initial separation of components followed by chemical processes for the separation of the semiconductor material; in the second method, the crushing of the components of the modules is used, and the separation of the semiconductor material is carried out through mechanical processes, where it is possible to obtain a recovery of more than 85% of its main components. Therefore, it is necessary the political adequacy about the recycling methods of these materials, mainly through reverse ogistics, designating those responsible for such processes as well as encouraging them.