Problem Statement
Solar panels typically have a lifespan of around 25 years before they start to degrade. In Singapore, the National Environment Agency introduced a regulated e-waste management system in July 2021, which includes the extraction of valuable resources from e-waste such as solar panels.
Taking a proactive approach, Sembcorp began seeking the best way to manage e-waste in preparation for when its solar PV systems reach their end of life.
In 2019, Sembcorp approached Singapore Polytechnic’s Advanced Materials Technology Centre (AMTC) to help build and develop a pilot e-waste recycling line – the first of its kind in Singapore. This project took place between January 2020 and April 2024.
“Through industry collaborations like this, we are able to find solutions that will impact the future generations, as we continue to learn from one another with a common vision of a greener tomorrow,” said Dr Li.
From left to right: Senior research engineer Lu Yanru, AMTC Manager Li Xiaodong, and lead research scientist Thong Ya Xuan.
Impact Achieved
Together, Sembcorp and AMTC built a complete recycling line which can take apart solar panels so their components – including precious metals such as silver – can be recycled at a high purity level of 99 per cent. The technology has a target recycling capacity of 80 panels a day, with a recovery rate of 95 per cent.
In comparison, most plants focus on the mechanical process, which removes the frames and recovers only the glass. The rest of the materials are crushed into small pieces to become mixed powder, and eventually go into landfills due to their low value.
The innovation will help lower the carbon footprint of solar technology, as growing solar energy deployment around the world is leading to an exponential rise in PV waste.
Sembcorp also provided guidance on the different types of solar panels available and gave AMTC the materials so the team could broaden their research. “We used the panels provided by Sembcorp to expand our technology to adapt to the various types of solar panels,” said Dr Li Xiaodong, AMTC’s Manager.
The AMTC team, which also includes lead research scientist Thong Ya Xuan and senior research engineer Lu Yanru, will use this technology to recycle panels from Sembcorp’s rooftop solar projects. They also plan to licence it to other ASEAN countries in the near future.
“Through industry collaborations like this, we are able to find solutions that will impact the future generations, as we continue to learn from one another with a common vision of a greener tomorrow,” said Dr Li.