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Technical collaboration sought for processing photovoltaic modules backsheets post-glass separation

Summary

Profile Type
Technology request
POD Reference
TRIT20231120011
Term of Validity
21 November 2023 - 20 November 2024
Company's Country
Italy
Type of partnership
Commercial agreement with technical assistance
Targeted Countries
All countries
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General information

Short Summary
An Italian SME operating in the disposal of end-of-life PV modules is looking for more efficient valorisation options for raw and valuable materials obtained from disposal processes. The current process involves the separation of aluminium frames and junction boxes, leaving all other components not valorised if not by extracting impure glass from the module surface, obtaining the so called "backsheet" in flakes (plastics, residual glass, silicon and other materials).
Full Description
An Italian SME active in the disposal of end-of-life PV modules is seeking more efficient methods for valorising raw materials from their disposal processes. Currently, the process involves the separation of aluminium frames and junction boxes, while much of the modules' components remain not valorised, exception made for glass which is extracted leaving the "backsheet" (plastics, residual glass, silicon, and other materials) as the residual product of the process.
Collaboration with a company capable of processing PV module backsheets post-glass separation is sought.
This approach aligns with circular economy principles, aiming to maximize the utility of each component in end-of-life PV modules. The goal is to contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to managing electronic waste in the renewable energy sector and to valorise the raw materials still contained in PV modules which would be otherwise wasted.
Stage of Development
Already on the market
Sustainable Development Goals
Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
IPR description
The possible materials and products available from the end-of-life PV modules valorisation process are:
• PV modules without aluminum frame, junction boxes and wiring
• Glass with dimensions ranging around 4 mm and variable impurities (i.e.: Silicon, appr. 3%)
• PV modules backsheet flakes composed of residual glass, residual silicon, silver, copper, aluminum, lead, EVA, PET, PVDF with variable compositions

Partner Sought

Expected Role of a Partner
Partners are sought for the processing of the materials resulting from end-of-life PV modules treatment, such as:
• PV modules without aluminum frame, junction boxes and wiring
• Glass
• PV modules backsheet flakes (residual silicon, copper, aluminum etc.)
Type and Size of Partner
SME 11-49SME 50 - 249Big company
Type of partnership
Commercial agreement with technical assistance

Call details

Coordinator required
Yes

Dissemination

Technology keywords
10003004 - Recycling, Recovery02007007 - Glass04005010 - Integrated waste-energy processes04005004 - Photovoltaics
Market keywords
08004004 - Other pollution and recycling related06003002 - Photovoltaics08004002 - Chemical and solid material recycling03004003 - Other electronics related equipment
Sector Groups Involved
Energy-Intensive Industries
Targeted countries
All countries