In recent years, global solar panel installation has boomed. By 2023’s end, the cumulative capacity hit over 700 GW, growing around 20% yearly for five years. As panels last 25 – 30 years, many are nearing end-of-life. In the EU, about 800,000 tons of panels will be retired by 2030.
Clearly, investing in PV panel recycling is a promising business. Wondering how to start a solar panel recycling business? Here’s a practical step-by-step guide, based on industry know-how, with solutions and machines. Our aim is to help you build a profitable, sustainable recycling business.
Preparation before starting a PV panel recycling business
There are several key steps before starting a solar panel recycling business. First, you need to conduct research to understand the market demand, available technology, and competitors. Then, develop a well-structured business plan detailing your goals, strategies, and financial projections. After that, ensure you obtain the necessary funding to cover equipment purchases (cost of PV panel recycling machines), facility setup, and operating costs. Finally, obtain all necessary permits and licenses to ensure your business is legally compliant and operates smoothly. Then you can enter the most critical step–recycling equipment selection.
Set Up Your Facility
Find a suitable location for your recycling facility. It should have enough space to accommodate your equipment, storage of solar panels, and a workspace for your employees. And don’t forget to consider factors like access to transportation routes for easy delivery and pickup of panels.
Equipping Your Recycling Facility
Equip your facility with the necessary solar panel recycling machinery. This could include equipment for dismantling panels, separating materials like glass, aluminum, silicon, etc. When operating the machines, make sure to follow instruction manual that comes with the machine.
What machines do you need?
- 1
The PV panel deframing machine removes the aluminum frame of the photovoltaic panel.
- 2
The deglazing machine (glass removal machine) crushes the glass, leaving the soft panel.
- 3
Two-shaft shredder shreds the solar panel into large pieces.
- 4
The crusher further crushes it into fine powder.
- 5
The pyrolysis furnace heats the solar panel in a high-temperature, oxygen-free setting to around 600°C.
- 6
The solar panel powder is screened with a vibrating screener to screen out the silicon. (Circular vibrating screen or linear screen)
- 7
The specific gravity separator further screens the remaining mixed materials and separates copper and EVA glue according to different particle densities.
- 8
The remaining copper and EVA Encapsulant that have not been completely separated enter the high-voltage electrostatic separator, and the copper is separated again based on conductivity.
Operating recycling machines
When you start a solar panel recycling business, after getting the basic setup done, the next big step is to operate the machine. Teach workers how to use the recycling machines, deal with dangerous stuff safely, and follow the safety rules. You don’t have to worry about the use of the machine. After the equipment arrives, we will provide you with a complete user manual. And if you have any questions, contact us at any time, 24 hours online for you.
Starting a solar panel recycling business can be challenging but rewarding. Trust our e-waste recycling equipment and solutions, you can build a successful solar panel recycling business. Good luck!
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