Research theme 5
Theme leaders
Designing New PV Panels for Recycling and Reliability
Prof Xiaojing Hao
(UNSW)
Prof Martin Green
(UNSW)
Background
As solar deployment accelerates, designing panels that are easier to recycle will be critical to achieving a truly circular solar industry. Current PV modules are optimised for performance but not end-of-life recovery, making material separation and recycling difficult. RT5 looks forward by rethinking panel structures and materials to embed recyclability into the design stage. This ensures that future panels are both reliable in operation and easy to dismantle and recycle after use.
Aims
Better Encapsulation for Recycling
Develop new encapsulation processes that simplify material separation while improving panel durability.
New Backsheet Materials
Create innovative backsheet materials that are easier to recycle and enhance long-term performance.
Understanding Degradation and Redesigning Panels
Study degradation mechanisms to inform the redesign of panel structures with higher recyclability and reliability.
Outcomes
This theme will deliver next-generation solar panels designed with both performance and recyclability in mind. Outcomes include encapsulation technologies and backsheet materials that extend panel life while simplifying end-of-life processing, and design guidelines informed by degradation studies to improve recyclability. By closing the design-to-recycling loop, RT5 ensures that the solar industry advances toward long-term sustainability and circularity.
RT 5.1. Better Encapsulation for Recycling
P22: Designing new encapsulation processes to simplify recycling and improve panel durability.
RT 5.2. New Backsheet Materials
P23: Creating new backsheet materials that are easier to recycle and last longer.
RT 5.3. Understanding Degradation and Redesigning Panels
P24: Studying how panels degrade and using that knowledge to design new structures with high recyclability and reliability.