Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) has partnered with United Renewable Energy (URE) and San Fang Chemical Industry Co, Ltd. developed the technology for easy-to-dismantle solar panel modules with the support of the Department of Industrial Technology of the Taiwan Ministry of Economy (MOEA). The technology meets international IEC standards and recently received its first certification from TÜV Rheinland for high levels of safety and reliability.
ITRI applies a circular design to reconstruct traditional PV modules by using a new potting material and considering the lifecycle of a module’s backplane, cells and mounting bracket, resulting in full recycling of solar cells and glass panels.
With this easily dismantled technology, solar modules can be protected a much higher recycling rate. Recycled materials such as silicon and glass can be reused without being crushed or degraded. The high purity of the recycled silicon wafers dramatically increases the material value and reduces the need for new raw materials. In addition, it is estimated that CO2 emissions from module production will be reduced by 50% or more; it also minimizes staff costs.
This can strengthen the competitiveness of the solar energy industry to achieve net-zero goals by 2050.
—said Alex YM Peng, Executive Vice President at ITRI.
ITRI estimates that the recycling value of end-of-life PV modules could increase significantly from about $18 million to $74 million per 1GW, creating a new circular economy model for the solar industry.
The easily disassembled solar panel module technology has been tested and proven viable by the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) Proof of Concept (PoC). The material system and structural design of the module have been optimized based on different environmental conditions.
In addition to passing IEC 61215 and IEC 61730 tests and receiving TÜV certification, it is expected to receive Taiwan’s Voluntary Product Certification (VPC) in the first quarter of 2023.
URE is the largest solar panel and solar cell manufacturer in Taiwan, while San Fang Chemical Industry is a technological film manufacturer committed to sustainable operations.