Hello folks, today I have some exciting developments to share with you in the solar industry. It’s a clear demonstration that staying on the cutting edge of technology and innovation, solar companies are finding ways to make solar panels for your home even more sustainable and efficient. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has come up with a breakthrough method to mitigate the plastic problem in solar panels, ensuring a tighter recycling loop and less waste in our environment. It’s promising news for everyone considering a solar array for home use.
Solar panels, while significantly beneficial for our planet, can pose certain challenges when it comes to recycling. Specifically, the thin layers of plastic used to encase these power-producing wonders have made it difficult for recyclers to extract valuable materials like silicon and silver. Enter a groundbreaking solution from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
NREL scientists have conceived a method that utilizes femtosecond lasers to create direct glass-to-glass welds in solar cells. These lasers, currently used in precision-based medical procedures like cataract surgery, emit highly focused energy in a very short timescale. While that might sound technical, what you need to know is that these lasers can create a resilient seal between two surfaces of glass. The elimination of plastic laminates means that at the end of a solar panel’s lifespan, the device can be shattered, and the interior material (glass and metal wires) can be recycled efficiently, with the silicon being ready for reuse.
David Young, a senior scientist and group manager at NREL, emphasizes the impact of this development: “Most recyclers will confirm that the polymers are the main issue in terms of inhibiting the process of recycling.”
The research, published in the IEEE Journal of Photovoltaics, indicates that the laser is cell material agnostic, which means it can be used with silicon, perovskite, cadmium telluride, etc. The high durability of the laser-made welds promises a sturdier design that can withstand outdoor conditions. With necessary modifications and proper mounting, a welded model could be stiff enough to pass static load testing.
The best part is that using femtosecond lasers for glass-to-glass welding can prove to be pretty economically efficient as well, hence making this technology easier to be adopted by solar companies.
In conclusion, advancements like these cement the reality that solar technology isn’t just about deriving energy from the sun, but also continuously enhancing the procedures and methodologies to create a more sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective solar industry. Whether you’re already harnessing the power of solar at your home or you’re considering it, developments like this should sway you further towards solar energy. There’s never been a better time to invest in a solar array for your home and be a proud part of greener and leaner solar future.
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/04/25/improving-solar-panel-recyclability-with-lasers/
