Erika Alves Tavares Marques

Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Brazil

Title: Circularity Alternatives of Photovoltaic Panels at The End of Their Useful Life

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Biography

Erika Alves Tavares Marques holds a PhD from the Federal University of Pernambuco in the Postgraduate Program in Development and Environment (2017). Completed a Master's degree in Environmental Technology from the Pernambuco Institute of Technology in 2010 and a Specialization course in Environmental Management and Control from the University of Pernambuco (2007). Graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences from the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (2006) and a degree in Environmental Management Technology from Estácio College (2022). She is currently pursuing an MBA in Data Science and Analytics at the University of São Paulo. Works as electronics technician at the Urban Train Company since 1985. During her doctoral studies, the author participated in the Environmental Management Group at the Federal University of Pernambuco. Subsequently, the author was invited to join the team working on the São Francisco River Integration Project, analyzing the water quality of the river basins included in the project. 

Abstract

The increasing demand for electricity has turned solar energy the source of green energy production with net zero carbon dioxide emission. After wind energy and hydroenergy, solar photovoltaic energy is the world’s third most established technology. Recycling solar photovoltaic (PV) panels is a growing environmental challenge as global waste is projected to reach tens of millions of tons by 2050. In this sense, upon reaching the end of their useful life, they can represent a source of hazardous waste if they are not properly managed. Despite the significant scalability benefits of expanding solar power generation, there is a risk that these panels will become environmentally harmful waste. In Brazil, the installed capacity of photovoltaic energy has already reached approximately 23.9 gigawatts (GW), and this capacity is expected to increase even further in the coming years. In this context, the objective of this research was to address, through a literature review, circular alternatives for the environmentally disposal of waste from photovoltaic panels. Based on the growing expansion of solar energy use, as well as its installed photovoltaic generation capacity, and considering the increase in waste generated by this activity, the study presented circularity options aimed at resource recovery, extending lifespan, and minimizing waste, which represent a substantial positive impact on the environment (Figure 1). The recovered materials from end-of-life solar PV panels can bring economic benefits and can be used to manufacture new industrial products. The analysis revealed that, despite exploring various circular options such as repair, resale, and reuse, Brazil currently only adopts the recycling alternative at the end of the panels' life cycle. This opens up opportunities for future research aimed at improving the management of this waste, valuing its components, and reducing its disposal in landfills.