Photovoltaic (PV) technology is one of the most promising technologies for improving energy security and mitigating climate change. As PV deployment increases exponentially all over the world, the number of PV modules that reach the end of useful life and accumulate as waste is also greatly increasing, with the amount of PV waste projected to reach 1.7–8.0 million tons by 2030 and 60-78 million tons by 2050.
This report provides an international survey of trends related to the development of PV module recycling technology from the perspective of both the private and public sectors. For the private sector, it reviews patents. For the public sector, it reviews research and development (R&D) plans and investments made by many countries active in PV module recycling technology development.