As global installed PV capacity continues to rise, a key issue is becoming increasingly prominent: a large number of PV modules will be retired in the coming years. Improper disposal of these modules will not only waste valuable resources, but also pollute the environment. But looking at it from a different perspective, there is an emerging market with huge potential.
The material value of PV modules should not be underestimated. Take mainstream crystalline silicon module as an example, in which the glass accounts for 65%, aluminum frame accounts for 20%, silicon material accounts for 10%, also contains a small amount of silver, copper and other precious metals. Professional recycling can achieve more than 90% of the material reuse rate. At present, the industry mainly uses two recycling processes: physical crushing and sorting method and chemical dissolution and purification method, each with its own characteristics.
The industry is currently facing three major challenges: high recycling costs, stringent technical requirements, and the need to improve the recycling network. However, these challenges precisely mean huge business opportunities. With technological breakthroughs and scale effects, the recycling cost is decreasing at a rate of 10-15% per year. Some of the leading enterprises have successfully practiced innovative modes such as "trade-in" and "ladder utilization".
PV recycling has become an important guarantee for the sustainable development of the industry. Enterprises can layout from three dimensions: establish a full life cycle management system, increase the research and development of recycling technology, and explore new business models. For power station owners, advance planning of recycling program can not only avoid risks, but also may create additional revenue.
Under the background of tightening environmental protection policies and deepening the concept of circular economy, the PV recycling industry is ushering in explosive growth. It is expected that the market size will exceed 100 billion yuan in the next ten years, becoming an important growth pole of the green economy. Enterprises that grasp this opportunity will not only contribute to the cause of environmental protection, but also occupy a strategic high ground in this emerging field.
