Tokuyama is making strides in recycling discarded photovoltaic (PV) panels. They've successfully recovered plate glass using a unique low-temperature thermal decomposition method. The company is now focused on the ambitious goal of reusing silicon (Si) from PV cells as a valuable semiconductor material, marking a significant step towards sustainable energy solutions.
The core of this innovation is a low-temperature thermal decomposition equipment, currently under development as part of a NEDO project. This advanced system features a two-layer ceramic filter and a catalyst-enhanced ceramic filter, enabling the complete gasification of resin. This automated process is highly efficient, capable of handling 15 PV panels per hour.
Tokuyama has achieved impressive results with a decomposition processing cost of just 2.06 yen/W and an impressive material recycling rate of 88%. They have already confirmed that aluminum frames, plate glass, interconnect metals, and silver from PV cells can be repurposed as raw materials. The company is now rigorously evaluating the quality of reclaimed Si for semiconductor applications, aiming for high-value reuse.
