Life cycle assessment of an innovative high-value-recovery crystalline silicon photovoltaic recycling process − the environmental impacts and benefits

Abstract

A universal high-value-recovery recycling technology for crystalline silicon (c-Si) photovoltaic (PV) modules developed by the French company ROSI is presented in this study. The maturity of the technology reaches TRL 8 and has been deployed in an industrial site. The environmental impact of the recycling process is evaluated by performing a life cycle assessment (LCA), with calculations based on the default life cycle impact assessment method as recommended by the Environmental Footprint methodology. Hotspots are identified and measures for future process optimization are proposed. Furthermore, the potential environmental benefits brought by the high-quality secondary raw materials are evaluated by applying system expansion in the LCA. The results show that ROSI recycling process brings significant environmental benefits in all chosen impact categories, 9 out of 14 impact categories show 90% impact savings compared to conventional production activities. This study complements the lacking LCA information at the end-of-life (EoL) stage of PV's life cycle, especially those of advanced recycling technologies other than landfilling or shredding and highlights the advantage of high-value recovery technology. Future works on LCA are also proposed for further precise assessment. Finally, this study concludes the implication of applying a high-value-recovery recycling technology from a supply chain perspective.

Keywords

• photovoltaic module recycling
• secondary raw materials
• lca
• circular economy
• environmental benefits