End of life solar photovoltaic panels A review of current recyc 2026 Next M

The rapid global expansion of solar photovoltaic (PV) installations is generating an end-of-life (EoL) waste stream that may pose environmental and health risks. In many countries, the lack of recycling methods and limited collection capacity leads to landfilling, which releases heavy metals and harmful particles into soil, water, and ecosystems. These contaminants can bioaccumulate through the food chain, harming ecosystems, human health, and the long-term sustainability of solar energy systems. Hence, this review aims to provide an integrated assessment of EoL PV management, covering landfill impacts, recycling technologies, life-cycle and techno-economic trade-offs, and the emerging challenges of floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems. A narrative review methodology was applied across mechanical, thermal, and chemical recycling pathways. Results show that staged hybrid recycling lines recover glass, silicon, and silver to purities approaching solar-grade levels, while conventional mechanical routes yield only downcycled outputs. Overall, coordinated advances in recycling technologies, extended producer responsibility frameworks, and FPV-specific design strategies are essential to transform PV waste from an environmental liability into a strategic resource.