Waste potential and recycling of photovoltaic panels at the end of their economic life, a case study on recycling with the global situation

With the increasing use of photovoltaic (PV) panels, there is a growing concern about the waste they produce at the end of their life. In parallel with the production rates of PV panels, which have an average lifespan of 25-30 years, the potential increase in PV waste in the recent years is also a cause for concern. Projections indicate, global PV waste could reach 60-78 Mt by 2050. Meeting this challenge requires expertise in PV panel structures and waste management strategies. This study aims to make a comprehensive assessment of PV panel waste and the critical role of recycling in reducing environmental impacts, with pros/cons. Waste projections for PV panels on a global scale and specifically in Turkiye are thoroughly analyzed, providing critical insights into the future challenges and opportunities in handling PV waste. Therefore, a detailed case study focusing on the Karapinar Solar Power Plant is conducted in this study, projecting the waste generation and management aspects until 2050. As a result, it has been calculated that 15,662 x 10⁶ kg-CO₂ emissions in 2040 and 53,303 x 10⁶ kg-CO₂ emissions in 2050 will be prevented through recycling.