Solar panels contain valuable and highly recyclable materials such as aluminum, glass and silicon. Modern recycling technologies allow more than 98 percent of the materials to be recovered, making this process not only beneficial but also extremely sustainable.
However, to maximize the environmental and economic benefits, it is critical to minimize the energy and environmental costs associated with recycling operations.
Ideal energy consumption should not exceed 1 kWh per recycled panel.
A modern plant with a capacity of 2,000 kg/h (about 100 panels), well designed and operated, can operate with a consumption of less than 100 kWh.
Mechanical technologies prove clearly superior to more invasive solutions, such as:
• combustion processes,
• use of chemical reagents.
The latter, in fact, generate significant environmental impacts, especially in anticipation of the huge amount of panels being decommissioned in the coming years.
The recycling process is based on advanced mechanical and electromechanical systems, which ensure high performance through advanced technologies such as:
• densimetric separation,
• electrostatic separation,
• optical recognition.
All this is perfected through intelligent software and self-learning algorithms based on Artificial Intelligence.
The management system developed by Stokkermill allows:
• remote control via PC or smartphone,
• automatic performance optimization through intelligent optical readers.
This efficiency stems from Stokkermill's direct experience in material separation, a field in which it owns exclusive technologies.
What is recovered from recycling photovoltaic panels?
Here are the main materials that can be recovered:
- ✅ Furnace-ready aluminum
- ✅ Glass grit (> 2 mm), reusable in industrial applications
- ✅ Glass powder with silicon and precious metals
- ✅ Copper from electrical junction boxes
By 2050, more than 80 million tons of solar panels are expected to be decommissioned. For this reason, the scientific world is working to develop effective solutions for the recovery of the most complex fractions, such as:
- Silicon (crystalline or amorphous),
- Silver.
These solutions represent the next step for a truly complete recycling supply chain.
For more than 30 years, Stokkermill Recycling Machinery has been designing and building plants for the recycling industry, with a strong specialization in metal and glass recovery.
With more than 30 solar panel recycling plants already in operation around the world, Stokkermill is a global reference point, capable of tailoring solutions for every need.
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