Sustainable recycling of PV modules

At the end of their service life, our photovoltaic modules are sustainably utilised by our recycling partner.

Source: Reiling PV-Recycling GmbH & Co. KG

Photovoltaic systems are essential for a sustainable energy supply. However, the service life of PV modules is limited to 20-30 years. Based on the quantities installed in Germany, studies assume that a cumulative disposal volume of 4.3 million tons can be expected in this country by 2050.

So what happens to disused end-of-life PV modules?

At the company Reiling PV-Recycling GmbH & Co. KG recycles end-of-life PV modules at its Münster site. The mechanical recycling process consists of several steps in which the modules are first shredded. The various recyclable materials are then separated and discharged based on their physical principles. The end products are the following fractions: Aluminum, glass, conductor tracks, cable and foil. With the exception of foil (thermal recycling), all secondary raw materials can be reused for new products. In the near future, the already researched recycling process for silicon will be implemented on an industrial scale.
This will allow the valuable materials contained in the modules to be recovered in high quality and returned to their cycles. The recovery rate of a PV module is 100%, the recycling rate approx. 85%.
PV recycling conserves resources and protects the environment, even after it has been used to generate green energy.

To the website: https://www.reiling.de/en