The Stokkermill Solar Delamination system is an integrated, semiautomatic solution designed for processing end-of-life photovoltaic modules. The line combines frame removal, delamination, and downstream refinement of the EVA- and silicon-containing fractions, allowing the primary module materials to be recovered as separate output streams.

With an indicative throughput of approximately 1.7–2.2 U.S. short tons per hour, the system is suitable for recyclers processing controlled industrial volumes without requiring a fully automated line.

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An Integrated Two-Stage Process

The recycling process is organized into two consecutive stages. During the first stage, the photovoltaic modules are de-framed and processed through the Stokkermill DLS Delaminator. This stage removes the aluminum frame and recovers the glass fraction.

The remaining material, consisting primarily of the laminated components of the module, is then transferred to the second section of the line, where the EVA- and silicon-containing fractions are further processed and refined.

Combining these two stages creates a coordinated process, reduces intermediate material handling, and prepares differentiated output fractions for subsequent recovery and upgrading operations.

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Photovoltaic Module De-Framing and Delamination

The first section of the line includes the de-framing unit and the Stokkermill DLS Delaminator.

The de-framing unit removes the perimeter aluminum frame, allowing the aluminum to be recovered separately while preparing the module for the next processing stage. The module is then fed into the DLS system, which performs the delamination process and separates the glass component from the laminated structure.

The primary output from this stage is recovered glass. The remaining EVA/backsheet fraction, which contains the photovoltaic cells and associated materials, continues to the refinement section.

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EVA and Silicon Fraction Refinement

After glass removal, the remaining material is processed by the EVA–Silicon Refining System.

This second stage reduces and processes the laminated material received from the delaminator to produce two differentiated fractions:

• an EVA- and backsheet-rich fraction;
• a silicon-containing fraction derived from the photovoltaic cells.

The system does not produce pure silicon and does not replace any required downstream metallurgical or refining processes. Its purpose is to mechanically prepare and separate the materials, producing more homogeneous fractions that are easier to handle and process during subsequent recovery operations.

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Recovered Materials

The Solar Delamination process produces separate streams of the primary materials contained in photovoltaic modules:

• aluminum recovered during frame removal;
• glass recovered during delamination;
• an EVA/backsheet-rich fraction;
• a silicon-containing fraction derived from the photovoltaic cells.

The composition and characteristics of these outputs may vary depending on the type, construction, and condition of the modules being processed.

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Stokkermill Solar Technology

Stokkermill Solar develops dedicated solutions for processing and recycling end-of-life photovoltaic modules, ranging from individual machines to fully integrated automatic plants.

The Solar Delamination system combines de-framing, delamination, and fraction refinement within a coordinated platform, providing an industrial solution for glass recovery and the preparation of EVA- and silicon-containing fractions.

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