1. General Description

The PV Entry Level Recycling Line represents the entry-level solution within the Stokkermill Solar range, designed for operators looking to begin the treatment and recycling of end-of-life photovoltaic (PV) modules with a limited initial investment, while producing a high-value recovered material suitable for commercial applications.

The system is designed around two primary objectives: first, the removal and recovery of the aluminum frame through the dedicated frame removal module; second, the production of an EVA/backsheet laminate completely free from glass contamination. This material represents a high-value recycling stream with strong and continuously growing market opportunities.

The technological focus of the system is to provide a fast, efficient, and accessible recycling process capable of producing a clean composite material ready for commercialization and downstream recycling applications.

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2. Line Composition (Layout Render)

The system is configured as a sequential processing line consisting of two main machines:

Frame Removal Unit:
A dedicated module designed for the mechanical removal of the aluminum frame from incoming photovoltaic modules.

Stokkermill DLS Delaminator:
An advanced processing unit developed for the mechanical separation of glass from the PV laminate. The process combines an infrared heating system with a controlled scraping action, ensuring the recovery of an EVA/backsheet laminate completely free from glass residues.

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3. Processing Cycle

The recycling process is divided into two main sequential stages:

Stage 1 – Aluminum Frame Removal and Recovery

The photovoltaic module enters the recycling line with its original aluminum frame. The first processing step consists of mechanical frame removal, an essential operation to prepare the module for the following treatment stages.

This process enables the recovery and immediate valorization of aluminum, ensuring a clean separation with minimal contamination from foreign materials.

Stage 2 – Automated Delamination Process

Once the aluminum frame has been removed, the photovoltaic module is transferred to the Stokkermill DLS Delaminator.

The unit operates through a fully automated, closed-loop process managed by a dedicated conveyor system and includes the following steps:

Feeding:
The incoming material is positioned and transferred onto a dedicated conveyor belt.

Treatment:
A targeted infrared heating system softens the EVA polymer layer. This controlled thermal action significantly reduces the adhesion force between glass residues and the polymer layer while operating at controlled temperatures that prevent material melting.

Separation and Discharge:
The removed glass fragments are collected and stored separately. At the same time, the clean polymer laminate (EVA/backsheet) is discharged from the outlet section and prepared for final collection.

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4. Line Output

At the end of the recycling cycle, the system generates two clearly separated material streams:

Glass-Free EVA/Backsheet Laminate:
This represents the main output stream of the system. The polymer material is recovered intact and is immediately suitable for commercialization within an established and reliable recycling market.

Recovered Glass Fraction:
The removed glass fraction is collected and stored separately in dedicated containment systems, ready to be transferred to specialized recovery and recycling channels.

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Recovered output material: EVA/backsheet laminate free from glass residues.

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5. Process Flow Diagram

Process flow:

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PV modules with aluminum frame → Frame Removal Unit → Stokkermill DLS Delaminator → Glass-free EVA/backsheet laminate

6. General Technical Features of the Line

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7. Operational Advantages

Cost-Effective Investment (CAPEX):
A lower initial investment compared with large-scale recycling platforms, making this solution ideal for companies entering the photovoltaic recycling market with a compact and dedicated recycling system.

High Added Value Output:
The primary recovered product (glass-free EVA/backsheet laminate) provides significant commercial value due to its suitability for established and expanding recycling markets.

Environmental and Operational Safety:
The entire recycling process is contained within the system, eliminating the risk of dust or glass fragment dispersion into the surrounding work environment.

No Harmful Emissions:
The thermal treatment is strictly limited to softening the EVA polymer layer. The process operates below the polymer melting point, preventing the generation of fumes or harmful emissions.

High Purity Output Streams:
The system ensures efficient mechanical separation and dedicated collection of processed materials (polymer laminate and glass), improving the efficiency of downstream recycling processes.

Scalability and Future Growth Path:
The system provides an expandable foundation, allowing future integration and technology upgrades toward Stokkermill Solar Delamination or Solar Automatic systems to support increasing processing volumes.

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