Solar panels to generate electricity or hot water is increasing in popularity. It is now becoming economically viable as the cost to make solar panels have dropped in recent years, incentive programs are reducing projects’ costs, and concern over and plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are growing again. However, one concern that may hurt the solar panel industry is a potential future shortage of silicon and the resulting high cost in the future.

One future source of solar for the increasing market for panels is old panels themselves. Solar panels tend to undergo a reduction in their efficiency in producing electricity over time, making it economically feasible at a certain point (usually 25 to 30 years) to take down operating panels and replace them with new, more modern, and efficient ones. However, silicon waste management is a controversial issue. Can silicon be retrieved from old, degraded panels and recycled and re-used again to replenish the supply and control costs?

Scientists at the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology in Moscow have developed a methodology to convert silicon into silicon oxide nanoparticles, which can then more easily be recycled and avoiding significant waste. Their findings were published in the journal ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering.

Bulk silicon from used panels is converted into nanoparticles using hydrothermal synthesis in an aqueous (ammonia) environment in a relatively simple, controllable, and inexpensive process. Temperature and hydrolysis time to form the nanoparticles are the key parameters of the method.

This research, which the researchers believe can be operational by the end of this decade, allows the elimination of a controversial waste management of silicon by developing an environmentally safe recycling of silicon and creating silicon oxide nanoparticles which can be used to create new, effective solar panels or other uses.

CCES has the experts to help you assess whether renewable power is cost-effective and a plus for your company and project manage the implementation of whatever strategy you choose to ensure you get good workmanship and the full energy benefits of the technology. Contact us today at 914-584-6720 or at karell@CCESworld.com.