Waste treatment and recycling sector for photovoltaic panels - An investigative preparatory study

Outline of reasons and objectives
The fact that photovoltaic panels have been included within the scope of application of the European Directive on WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) means that questions need to be asked about managing such equipment when it comes to the end of its life. The treatment and recycling sector is taking shape, but the processes and players in the sector are little-known. It is necessary to shed more light on this activity in anticipation of the future increase in the stock of panels coming to the ends of their lives over the coming years.
Approach
To gain a better grasp of the issues and of the prevention needs in the sector, it was necessary to identify the various stakeholders in the field, to become better acquainted with the workings and composition of photovoltaic panels, and to analyse the various treatment techniques.
Main results
Ø Identifying the players in the photovoltaic recycling sector in France
For two years now, the photovoltaic sector has been in recession in France and in the rest of the world. As a result there has been a major reshuffle among photovoltaic panel producers. However, the main French producers recently decided to come together through the “PV Cycle” Association to organise collection and treatment of the panels.

Ø State of the art in terms of existing panel technologies
Three generations of photovoltaic panels will, in a few years, be cohabiting on the market: silicon panel technology, the most recent thin-layer panel technology (of the CdTe type or of the CIGS type), and innovative techniques (organic cell, Grätzel cell, or multijunction cell). Faced with such a range of technologies, the treatment and recycling processes need to be adapted.

Ø Overview of techniques for treating photovoltaic panels
Two treatment approaches have been identified. The first one is based on non-destructive delamination of the photovoltaic panels so that the photovoltaic cells can be used again. The second approach consists in shredding the panel into fine fractions and then recycling or transforming the various fragments (glass, metal). These processes are not without chemical risks and could need deeper investigation during the programmed development of the sector.
Discussion
In view of the lateness of the transposition of the new WEEE European Directive into French Law (19 August 2014), in view of the economic recession currently suffered by the photovoltaic sector, and in view of the smallness of the stock of waste from photovoltaic panels (only 10,000 metric tons collected throughout Europe in four years), it appeared that developing a lasting sector for collecting and reprocessing photovoltaic panels at the ends of their lives in France would not be conceivable for several years yet. However, the topic will continue to be watched so as to monitor any change in the treatment technique and in the positions of the stakeholders in the sector on the subject.