Research and development on recycling and reuse treatment technologies for crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules

With the rapid spreading of photovoltaic power generation systems in recent years, power generation by this method in Japan expanded to 190 MW in the year 2002. Assuming that large quantities of solar batteries will become widespread, no doubt we will see an age in which existing photovoltaic power generation systems will become worn out one after another in conjunction with expanded demand. Therefore we conducted various analyses on long-term exposure modules and confirmed that electrically, continued use of the long-term exposure modules was possible. Also, as a link in extending the life of the modules, a study was made, based on the knowledge acquired by analyses, on re-applying of the back film which is greatly affected by outdoor exposure. It was found that old film could be repaired and made into new film.