Impactos ambientais e possibilidades de reciclagem dos resíduos de painéis fotovoltaicos

Abstract

The electricity generation from photovoltaic solar panels has shown exponential growth worldwide. Due to their long average service life, the volume of photovoltaic cell waste is expected to grow rapidly in subsequent years. Although this technology generates no emissions during use, to be considered clean, its entire life cycle must be taken into account, including how its final disposal is performed. In this research, a systematic literature review is conducted to assess the environmental impacts of end-of-life photovoltaic panel waste and how various countries around the world are managing this waste. Recycling has been a method of reducing the environmental impacts caused by the disposal of modules in order to make the panel life cycle more sustainable, recover valuable materials and avoid contamination of the environment with hazardous metals. Photovoltaic panel recycling methods have been studied and developed, and current recycling practices are identified in this paper. The need to establish appropriate policies for the management of this waste is also a reality in Brazil, where the photovoltaic market grows every year. The environmental impacts of module waste is a topic that should be addressed and debated with the Brazilian population, in addition to the mandatory recycling obligation and vigorous supervision, which need to be applied to ensure proper disposal of this product.