Framework for determining the end of the live of photovoltaics (PV) panels and understanding of degradation mechanisms in PV panels

Brief description of the context of the research including potential impact
This project aims to develop a comprehensive framework for determining the end-
of-life (EOL) of photovoltaic (PV) panels and to explore innovative approaches for extending
the life cycle of PV panels as well as the physics of degradation mechanisms. As global PV
deployment continues to rise, managing the increasing number of EOL panels becomes
critical for both sustainability and the circular economy.
Aims and objectives
1. Understanding the degradation mechanism that contributes to the EOL by employing
in- situ electron microscopy techniques, where the role of the H2O moisture,
mechanical stress as well as temperature can be modelled and experimentally
verified on real and model PV heterostructures.
2. Conducting material characterisation to assess the contamination and purity levels of
recycled materials, especially silicon, which constitutes 99% of the composition of
EOL PV panels in the UK/Europe. By collaborating with recycling companies such as
PV cycle, Power Roll Limited and Viridian Solar, with the goal of correlating the
recycle processes with structure and elemental composition final products ( i.e. Si), in
order to improve the recycling methods.
3. Investigating when a PV panel can be considered at its true EOL by comparing the
actual output power to its theoretical output power, complemented by advanced
diagnostic techniques such as electroluminescence (EL) and thermal infrared (IR)
imaging. The large data sets are already in place and data analysis can start from the
very beginning of the project.
The research methodology, including new knowledge or techniques in engineering and physical sciences that will be investigated
The material characterisation will include techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD)
for crystal structure analysis (including grain size and texture), and scanning electron
microscopy (SEM) and TEM for surface morphology, EDX and EELS chemical
analysis, and EBSD for crystallographic studies. These techniques will help
categorise the purity and contamination levels of silicon post-recycling. Also, advanced mashine learning
methods will be used for data analysis obtained by diagnostic techniques such as electroluminescence (EL) and thermal infrared (IR)
imaging.
Alignment to EPSRC's strategies and research areas
The project aligns well with EPSRC priority: engineering net zero as well as frontiers in engineering and technology, and broadly it is in the area of energy and decarbonisation.
Any companies or collaborators involved
Companies involved are PV cycle, PV cycle, Power Roll Limited and Viridian Solar.