Solar Panel Recycling plant mod. Delamination in USA
Delamination line for recycling end-of-life photovoltaic modules. The process starts with removing the aluminum frame from the solar panels, followed by delamination, and then proceeds to the refining stage of the recycling process.
Technical Features, Economic Performance, and Operating Context
For operators with limited throughput and a homogeneous, pre-processed feedstock, Stokkermill Solar offers the Solar Delamination system: a low-temperature, thermo-mechanical delamination solution operating below 90°C, with a processing capacity of 50–70 photovoltaic modules per hour (approximately 1–1.5 tons per hour). The system is designed for facilities where incoming material has already been de-framed and pre-sorted. It represents an entry-level point in the mechanical recycling value chain, with the inherent constraints typical of this processing class.
Solar Panel Recycling Process – Delamination Line
Phase 1 – Aluminum Recovery:
The photovoltaic module is fed into the system after frame removal. The aluminum frame stream is recovered upstream and routed to dedicated scrap recycling channels.
Phase 2 – Low-Temperature Delamination (<90°C) and Coarse Glass Recovery:
The module is processed in the HMS delaminator. Controlled low heat under 90°C softens the EVA encapsulant just enough to enable mechanical separation of the laminated layers. The coarse glass fraction is extracted as the primary output stream and can be directed to glass manufacturing or ceramic feedstock applications.
Phase 3 – Size Reduction and Particle Sorting:
The remaining material is further reduced in size and processed through ballistic separation. This stage conditions the material stream for downstream separation, ensuring a consistent particle-size profile before secondary delamination.
Phase 4 – Secondary XRS Delamination and Fine Glass Recovery:
The XRS delaminator mechanically separates residual EVA, liberating fine glass particles and silicon powder. The fine glass fraction is recovered as a secondary glass output stream and can be used in ceramic production or as recycled aggregate material.
Phase 5 – EVA Refining and Silicon Concentrate Recovery:
A ballistic separator classifies the remaining material into uniform size-based fractions. The EVA fraction is isolated, while the silicon concentrate is recovered as a distinct material stream, ready for reintroduction into recycling and secondary raw material supply chains.
