Solar Panel Recycling Process

1 Dismantle aluminum frame and junction box

The aluminum frame (accounting for about 10% of the weight) and the junction box of the solar panels are dismantled using a special framing machine, leaving the main body of the panels for the subsequent process. The framing machine can be adapted to different panel sizes to ensure efficient separation of aluminum (recycling rate up to 99%).

2 Glass Removal and Recycling

Glass removal machine: automated equipment to remove the glass layer from the surface of the panels (accounting for about 70% of the weight). Advanced glass removal technology allows the glass to be recycled in pellet form instead of powder, increasing the recycling value (the market price of glass pellets is higher than powder).

We also have a line of hot-cutting technology that removes the entire glass from the cell and cuts it with a steel blade heated to 356-392°F, separating the glass from the cell in layers, reducing material loss and increasing the recycling value of the glass.

3 Crushing and Preliminary Sorting

Shredding and crushing: The remaining battery plates are processed into fragments (1-2 cm in size) by the shredder and then into the crusher for further refinement. Unqualified materials return to the mill for secondary processing.

Airflow sorting: use the airflow density difference to separate light plastics from heavy metals (such as copper, silver), and initially screen out metal powder and plastic fragments.

4 Fine sorting and material purification

Electrostatic sorting: Separate plastics and metals (e.g. copper, silver) in the remaining mixture thoroughly by electrostatic adsorption difference, and enhance the material purity.

Special material treatment: CdTe thin film batteries need additional chemical precipitation steps to extract toxic metals such as cadmium and tellurium to prevent environmental pollution.