Why PV panels must be recycled at the end of their economic life span? A case study on recycling together with the global situation

The use of solar energy as a renewable energy source has been increasing in recent years. Photovoltaic (PV) panel technology is an important alternative to fossil fuels for the future energy needs of the world. PV panels, which have a lifespan of about 25-30 years, have a potential for photovoltaic waste in the coming years due to the increase in their production. There is a remarkable difference between the amount of CO2 emissions generated during the production of a PV panel and the amount of CO2 emissions generated during its recycling. When recycled, the environmental damage of PV panels is significantly reduced. Recycling also helps economically recover materials some of which are rare in nature. In this study, the structures of the components that compose PV panels are emphasized. The estimated waste projection of the PV for the world, Turkiye and, as a case study, Karapinar Solar Power Plant was analyzed until 2050. The harms of PV panels to the environment, people's health and their recycling potential were scrutinised. Furthermore, the carbon dioxide emissions and economic costs of the PV panels produced by recycling and the panels produced without recycling are compared.