A research team led by Li Jiashuo at Shandong University (SDU) has developed a comprehensive framework for assessing the recycling of end-of-life photovoltaic (PV) modules worldwide.

The issue is becoming more urgent as early-generation solar panels enter retirement on a large scale. End-of-life modules contain valuable materials such as silicon, silver and copper, as well as hazardous substances. Given regional differences in PV deployment, recycling technologies and economic conditions, recycling strategies must be tailored rather than uniformly applied worldwide.

To tackle this challenge, the team developed an assessment tool that tracks how future solar deployment and material prices could affect the timing and scale of PV module retirements. It then compares different recycling technologies and policy options, covering 1,700 potential scenarios.

The framework can help estimate where large volumes of retired modules are likely to emerge and compare the economic and emission-reduction benefits of different recycling strategies.

Global PV waste could reach 297 million to 402 million metric tons by 2060,and the burden of retired modules was expected to shift gradually from high-income regions to middle-income economies, including China and India.

The team evaluated chemical, thermal and mechanical recycling approaches and found that global PV recycling could become economically viable between 2035 and 2040. Large-scale recycling could also recover high-value materials such as silicon, silver and copper while reducing greenhouse-gas emissions.

Based on the findings, the researchers proposed regionally adapted recycling strategies, greater technology transfer and closer international cooperation, with targeted support for regions that currently lack sufficient recycling capacity.