The use of organic solvents in solar panel recycling presents several environmental challenges. When solvents are used to remove ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) adhesive layers in photovoltaic (PV) modules, they often generate hazardous waste due to chemical residues and the potential release of toxic substances like lead from damaged solar cells. This waste requires specialized treatment or disposal to avoid soil and water contamination.
Additionally, organic solvents are energy- and resource-intensive, as their application in dissolving adhesives is typically less efficient than thermal methods. For example, nitric acid dissolution—a chemical process analyzed in life cycle assessments (LCAs)—has been shown to contribute significantly to the environmental footprint of crystalline silicon (c-Si) panel recycling due to high raw material consumption and unoptimized industrial processes. However, pyrolysis (thermal decomposition at ~500°C) and mechanical recycling generally result in lower lifecycle impacts compared to solvent-based methods, despite their own energy demands.
While organic solvents may offer precision in separating materials, their toxicity and waste generation make them less sustainable than emerging thermal or mechanical techniques, which minimize hazardous byproducts and improve resource recovery rates.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-environmental-impacts-of-using-organic-solvents-in-solar-panel-recycling/
