Periodic Reporting for period 1 - APOLLO (A Proactive Approach to the Recovery and Recycling of Photovoltaic Modules)
Reporting period: 2024-01-01 to 2025-06-30
The photovoltaic (PV) industry has seen significant global success, with rapid advancements in technology, production, and installation. However, recycling technology for PV modules has lagged behind. As more PV panels reach the end of their life - projected to increase from 400,000 tons of waste in 2020 to 5.5 million tons worldwide - efficient recycling becomes critical. Currently, recycling methods primarily recover aluminum and glass, leaving much material unprocessed.
The APOLLO PROJECT aims to develop innovative recycling technologies to recover all materials from expired PV modules, focusing on sorting, extraction, refining, reusing, and tracing. By enhancing recycling processes, APOLLO expects to recover up to 93% of materials, which reduces waste, decreases reliance on primary raw materials, and lowers CO2 emissions, supporting the European Green Deal.
The project is motivated by the need for waste management solutions that promote recycling, reduce environmental impact, and comply with EU circular economy regulations. These include:
- Development of advanced technologies for pre-recycling analysis and classification of PV modules.
- Establishment of a pilot processing line for material recovery.
- Creation of a blockchain-based digital product passport for traceability.
- Promotion of circular business models for the reuse and processing of PV components.
APOLLO also integrates social sciences to address societal concerns regarding environmental justice and equality. The project promises economic benefits through material recovery and creates new business opportunities for the PV industry, enhancing competitiveness in Europe.
The APOLLO PROJECT aims to develop innovative recycling technologies to recover all materials from expired PV modules, focusing on sorting, extraction, refining, reusing, and tracing. By enhancing recycling processes, APOLLO expects to recover up to 93% of materials, which reduces waste, decreases reliance on primary raw materials, and lowers CO2 emissions, supporting the European Green Deal.
The project is motivated by the need for waste management solutions that promote recycling, reduce environmental impact, and comply with EU circular economy regulations. These include:
- Development of advanced technologies for pre-recycling analysis and classification of PV modules.
- Establishment of a pilot processing line for material recovery.
- Creation of a blockchain-based digital product passport for traceability.
- Promotion of circular business models for the reuse and processing of PV components.
APOLLO also integrates social sciences to address societal concerns regarding environmental justice and equality. The project promises economic benefits through material recovery and creates new business opportunities for the PV industry, enhancing competitiveness in Europe.
During the first reporting period, significant advancements were made in the project's goals, particularly in recycling photovoltaic (PV) panels.
We established a methodology to assess and classify end-of-life (EoL) PV modules based on glass composition and implemented a machine-learning-assisted sorting technique. A streaming database was developed for efficient data storage and analysis. For traditional silicon-based PV modules, a seven-stage mechanical separation process was created to recover valuable materials like silicon, silver, and copper. Leaching experiments with deep eutectic solvents for perovskite modules were also conducted to optimize metal recovery and remove impurities.
We designed blockchain-based Digital Product Passports for PV components to enhance traceability and data sharing in the supply chain. Progress was made in identifying data needs, developing models, and designing workflows. Lifecycle assessments (LCA), lifecycle costing (LCC), and social lifecycle assessments (S-LCA) for PV modules were conducted to evaluate current practices and identify opportunities for circular business models.
The APOLLO project established a robust framework for assessing EoL PV modules. The implementation of a database for analytical data storage ensures future enhancements in material classification. High recovery rates were achieved through systematic mechanical and chemical separation processes. The aim to refine reclaimed silicon into high-quality ingots is in the preparatory phase, showing promising results. The framework for digital product passports supports sustainable business models in the PV sector. The LCA and LCC assessments provided comprehensive evaluations of environmental impacts and lifecycle costs, establishing a baseline for future innovations. Key social impacts related to material sourcing have been identified, offering insights to improve recycling practices and business models in the PV industry.
We established a methodology to assess and classify end-of-life (EoL) PV modules based on glass composition and implemented a machine-learning-assisted sorting technique. A streaming database was developed for efficient data storage and analysis. For traditional silicon-based PV modules, a seven-stage mechanical separation process was created to recover valuable materials like silicon, silver, and copper. Leaching experiments with deep eutectic solvents for perovskite modules were also conducted to optimize metal recovery and remove impurities.
We designed blockchain-based Digital Product Passports for PV components to enhance traceability and data sharing in the supply chain. Progress was made in identifying data needs, developing models, and designing workflows. Lifecycle assessments (LCA), lifecycle costing (LCC), and social lifecycle assessments (S-LCA) for PV modules were conducted to evaluate current practices and identify opportunities for circular business models.
The APOLLO project established a robust framework for assessing EoL PV modules. The implementation of a database for analytical data storage ensures future enhancements in material classification. High recovery rates were achieved through systematic mechanical and chemical separation processes. The aim to refine reclaimed silicon into high-quality ingots is in the preparatory phase, showing promising results. The framework for digital product passports supports sustainable business models in the PV sector. The LCA and LCC assessments provided comprehensive evaluations of environmental impacts and lifecycle costs, establishing a baseline for future innovations. Key social impacts related to material sourcing have been identified, offering insights to improve recycling practices and business models in the PV industry.
The APOLLO project has made significant progress and achieved substantial scientific and technical objectives regarding the recycling of photovoltaic (PV) modules. Key activities include conducting pre-recycling analysis and classification of PV modules, developing a pilot processing line for recycling processes, and establishing a Digital Product Passport (DPP) system to ensure traceability and transparency in the lifecycle of PV materials.
Advanced analytical techniques such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) have been utilized to categorize PV modules by glass composition and to identify and separate hazardous materials prior to recycling. Additionally, innovative material separation methods have been developed that achieve high recovery rates of valuable components like glass and silicon while minimizing impurities.
A comprehensive lifecycle assessment framework has been established to understand the environmental impacts of PV production and recycling, identifying opportunities for improvement and innovation. Future needs include continued research and development to optimize recycling technologies, demonstration projects to validate new processes, access to markets and finance for the commercialization of developed solutions, and the establishment of a supportive regulatory and standardization framework for new recycling practices.
Moreover, community considerations are integrated to address community concerns and ensure equitable benefits from recycling initiatives. The overarching aim of the project is to enhance the impact on the circular economy and contribute to sustainable management of solar energy materials while driving innovation in the renewable energy sector.
Advanced analytical techniques such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) have been utilized to categorize PV modules by glass composition and to identify and separate hazardous materials prior to recycling. Additionally, innovative material separation methods have been developed that achieve high recovery rates of valuable components like glass and silicon while minimizing impurities.
A comprehensive lifecycle assessment framework has been established to understand the environmental impacts of PV production and recycling, identifying opportunities for improvement and innovation. Future needs include continued research and development to optimize recycling technologies, demonstration projects to validate new processes, access to markets and finance for the commercialization of developed solutions, and the establishment of a supportive regulatory and standardization framework for new recycling practices.
Moreover, community considerations are integrated to address community concerns and ensure equitable benefits from recycling initiatives. The overarching aim of the project is to enhance the impact on the circular economy and contribute to sustainable management of solar energy materials while driving innovation in the renewable energy sector.