Reciclagem ou destinação final dos painéis fotovoltaicos aplicados em geração de energia ao final do ciclo de vida

Abstract

The energy sector is undergoing a gradual, yet radical shift towards renewable energy supply. However, not everything that looks sustainable remains actually sustainable throughout its life cycle. At least this is the most common concern for photovoltaic (PV) panels, especially in Europe, the United States, and Japan. Photovoltaic systems are being built at a very fast pace around the world and it is no different in Brazil. At the end of 2018, cumulative PV capacity exceeded 500 GWp globally (IEA PVPS, 2019). This sustainable source of energy relies solely on solar radiation to provide electricity. However, what happens to solar panels when they are no longer efficient and reach the end of their life cycle? In Brazil, where cumulative VP capacity totaled 2.4 GWp at the end of 2018 (ABSOLAR, 2019), there are no policies and standards in place establishing how to dispose the resulting waste, a topic that should now be debated. This work presents a growth projection for the use of photovoltaic panels and waste generation, draws attention to the social and environmental impacts caused by this growth, describes recycling technologies already being used, and addresses the possibility of creating economic and environmental value from these processes.