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Photovoltaic Modules Recovery, Application, and Ways for Decreasing its Impact to Ecology

  • SOLAR INSTALLATIONS AND THEIR APPLICATION
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Abstract

The article discusses and analyzes the issue of recycling photovoltaic modules (PVMs) that have been exhausted at photovoltaic power plants (PVPPs) or failed for some other reason, using various technological processes, resulting in a different degree of processing and use of processed products, as well as the different impact of these processes on the environment. This paper presents an overview of the current state of disposal of the main components of PVPPs (PVMs) in advanced countries in context of regulatory support and the development of regulatory acts, as well as in the context of existing technologies that are applied, developed, or being developed. It substantiates the necessity and possibilities of the reuse of the overwhelming majority of materials and compounds obtained during the disposal of photovoltaic modules. Analysis of the tendencies of the rapid development of photovoltaic power in the world dictate the need to create now, without waiting for massive PVM failure, an entire industry sector that will deal with the disposal of spent PVMs and the preparation of recycled materials for reuse, which will significantly reduce negative load on the environment. The goals and tasks that need to be fulfilled in Ukraine in the direction of recycling PVMs are outlined: development and implementation of the necessary regulations, introducing new effective technologies for recycling, specialized industries with full recycling of PVMs.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This research is not funded by any agencies in public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Renewable Energy, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 02094, Kyiv, Ukraine

    V. F. Reztsov, T. V. Surzhyk, V. A. Pundev, V. I. Shevchuk & I. O. Sheiko

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  1. V. F. Reztsov
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  2. T. V. Surzhyk
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  3. V. A. Pundev
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  4. V. I. Shevchuk
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  5. I. O. Sheiko
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Correspondence to V. A. Pundev.

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Translated by Yu. Zikeeva

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Reztsov, V.F., Surzhyk, T.V., Pundev, V.A. et al. Photovoltaic Modules Recovery, Application, and Ways for Decreasing its Impact to Ecology. Appl. Sol. Energy 58, 217–225 (2022). https://doi.org/10.3103/S0003701X22020177

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