Analysis of the Photovoltaic Waste-Recycling Process in Polish Conditions—A Short Review

Abstract

The rapid development of the photovoltaic (PV) industry is determined by subsequent legal documents and directives, which indicate the need to use renewable energy sources in order to counteract climate pollution and strive to increase energy efficiency. The development of the photovoltaic industry in the near future will result in an increase in the amount of electrical and electronic waste from used photovoltaic panels. The total installed capacity of photovoltaic sources in Poland at the end of 2019 was almost 1500 MW, and in May 2020, it exceeded 1950 MW, and the weight of the installation was approximately 120,000 tons. The aim of the present work is to present the types of materials used in the construction of photovoltaic panels, with particular emphasis on the possibility of recycling or utilization of individual elements. Additionally, the aim of the work is to describe the most important requirements addressed to the members of the European Union, which were formulated in the provisions of Directive 2012/19/EU. Taking into account the number of photovoltaic panels produced in Poland, the possibility of recycling individual materials from PV assembly was analyzed. The author presents the problem of recycling in the combination of legal and material aspects, which will soon become the share of Poland as a member of the European Union.