Caterina BARBIERO & Anna MAZZI: LCA of Al-Cu-Ag-Si recycling from photovoltaic waste

Presented: 10:00 A.M. PT, August 28, 2025 Guest Speakers: Caterina BARBIERO & Anna MAZZI (University of Padova, Italy) Moderator: Mitchell JONES (Outreach Editor, Resources, Conservation and Recycling) Presentation Abstract: As raw materials become increasingly limited, efficient recycling of photovoltaic (PV) panels is crucial to recover high-quality secondary resources. This presentation explores the environmental impact of an innovative process for c-Si PV panels recycling, which recovers a wider range of materials than conventional methods, while generating very little waste. Using a “grave-to-cradle” Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and data from a pilot plant in Venice, Italy, we applied the ReCiPe 2016 method to quantify environmental benefits. Results highlight that thermal treatment is particularly impactful in the process, but also shed light on the most beneficial steps: those involving material recovery. Sensitivity analysis shows how the quality of recovered materials shapes the overall environmental profile. Join us to discover how innovative recycling can drive sustainability in the solar industry and why it's essential to design energy systems considering their end-of-life.