Technical Description
Waste Solar Panel Recycling Plant (10–20 Tons Per Day)
Executive Summary
The project aims to establish a state-of-the-art solar panel recycling facility capable of processing 10–20 tons of waste solar panels daily, including rejected, end-of-life, and municipal panels. The plant will recover high-value materials such as J-boxes, aluminum frames, copper, silicon powder, and plastics, supporting circular economy initiatives and sustainable waste management.
Objectives:
- Provide complete recycling solutions for all types of solar panels.
- Recover materials for reuse in industrial applications.
- Minimize environmental impact of solar panel waste.
Proposed Technology Options:
- Fully automatic recycling solution with robotic feeding system
- Fully automatic recycling solution without robotic feeding system
- Semi-automatic frame & J-box removal + shredding & sorting plant
2. Plant Capacity & Layout
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Parameter
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Full Auto w/ Robot
|
Full Auto w/o Robot
|
Semi-Auto + Shredding
|
|
Processing Capacity
|
50–60 pcs/h (1000–2000 kg/h)
|
50–60 pcs/h (1000–2000 kg/h)
|
35–45 pcs/h (500–1200 kg/h)
|
|
Daily Throughput
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20 tons/day +
|
20 tons/day +
|
10 tons/day +
|
|
Labour Required
|
4–5
|
5–6
|
5–6
|
|
Machine Footprint (L×W×H)
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‾45 × 8.5 × 5.2 m
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‾39 × 8.5 × 5.2 m
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‾31 × 6.3 × 5 m
|
|
Rated Power Consumption
|
180 kW
|
170 kW
|
189 kW
|
|
Recovered Products
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J-box, Aluminum frame, Copper, Silicon powder, Plastic
|
J-box, Aluminum frame, Copper, Silicon powder, Plastic
|
J-box, Aluminum frame, Copper, Silicon powder, Plastic
|
|
Automation Level
|
Fully automatic
|
Fully automatic
|
Semi-automatic
|
3. Technology Description
3.1 Fully Automatic Recycling Solution (with Robotic Feeding)
- Features: Robotic feeding, fully automated material handling, precise sorting.
- Advantages: High efficiency, low labor dependency, enhanced safety.
- Energy Consumption: ‾180 kW
3.2 Fully Automatic Recycling Solution (without Robotic Feeding)
- Features: Conveyor-fed panels, automatic shredding and sorting.
- Advantages: Moderate cost, automated recovery process.
- Energy Consumption: ‾170 kW
3.3 Semi-Automatic Frame & J-Box Removal + Shredding & Sorting Plant
- Features: Manual pre-treatment (frame and J-box removal), automatic shredding and sorting.
- Advantages: Cost-effective, easy maintenance, moderate automation.
- Capacity: 35–45 pcs/h (500–1200 kg/h)
- Energy Consumption: ‾189 kW
4. Process Workflow
- Receiving & Storage:
Waste panels are stored safely in the raw material yard.
- Pre-treatment:
- Manual or robotic removal of frames and J-boxes depending on chosen technology.
- Shredding & Sorting:
- Panels are shredded, and materials are separated automatically.
- Material Recovery:
- Aluminum frames → recycled aluminum
- Copper wiring → scrap or industrial reuse
- Silicon powder → feedstock for industrial applications
- Plastics → recycled for industrial use
5. Utilities Requirement
|
Utility
|
Requirement
|
|
Electricity
|
170–190 kW (depending on technology)
|
|
Labour
|
4–6 operators per shift
|
|
Compressed Air
|
‾100–150 L/min
|
|
Water
|
Minimal, for cleaning and dust suppression
|
6. Financial Overview (Indicative)
|
Solution
|
Estimated Plant Cost (USD)
|
Installation & Commissioning
|
Total CapEx (USD)
|
|
Full Auto w/ Robot
|
525,000
|
50,000
|
575,000
|
|
Full Auto w/o Robot
|
435,000
|
50,000
|
485,000
|
|
Semi-Auto + Shredding
|
270,000
|
50,000
|
320,000
|
Notes:
- FOB price range for equipment: USD 270,000 – 525,000.
- The above estimated costs for installation, commissioning, and total CapEx are indicative and provided for calculation purposes only.
- Actual costs may vary depending on technology choice, plant configuration, shipping, local regulations, and other factors.
Revenue Streams:
- Sale of recovered aluminum, copper, silicon powder, and plastics
- Recycling service fees from waste solar panel suppliers
- Optional consultancy on solar panel waste management
7. Environmental & Regulatory Compliance
- Designed to comply with environmental regulations and safety standards.
- Dust collection and filtration systems for air pollution control.
- Proper handling and disposal of any hazardous waste.
- Emphasis on circular economy and material recovery maximization.
8. Project Implementation Schedule
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Activity
|
Duration
|
|
Project Design & Equipment Procurement
|
2–3 months
|
|
Shipping & Customs Clearance
|
1 month
|
|
Installation & Commissioning
|
2–3 months
|
|
Trial Production
|
1 month
|
|
Commercial Operation
|
Month 7 onwards
|
9. Risk Assessment
- Raw Material Availability Risk: Mitigation via partnerships with installers, municipalities, and waste collectors.
- Market Price Risk: Fluctuating prices of recovered materials mitigated by long-term supply agreements.
- Operational Risk: Equipment downtime mitigated by preventive maintenance and trained operators.
10. Conclusion
This 10–20 tons/day solar panel recycling plant is aligned with renewable energy sustainability, circular economy principles, and environmental compliance. It offers significant material recovery, cost-effective operations, and potential for high ROI for investors, while addressing the growing issue of solar panel waste.
11. Trade Terms
Article 1: Offer Validity
- The quotation is valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
Article 2: Packing and Quality
- Origin: China
- Quality: As per export standards of the manufacturer, 100% brand new equipment.
- Packing: Standard export packing suitable for seaworthy containers for safe sea transport.
Article 3: Delivery
- Mode of Transportation: Sea freight
- Loading Port: Any port in China
- Destination Port: As per buyer’s request; shipping can also be handled by the supplier.
- Production Period: Within 100–120 working days after receipt of down payment.
Article 4: Terms of Payment
- 40% T/T as deposit
- 30% T/T after one month of production
- Balance: Paid by T/T after inspection and before delivery
Article 5: Warranty
- Duration: One year from the date of arrival at the destination port
- Coverage:
- Manufacturer responsible for malfunctions caused by machine defects or quality issues.
- Buyer responsible for malfunctions caused by operational errors or human factors.
Article 6: After-Sale Service
- Upon request, one technician will be sent to the buyer’s country for installation and commissioning guidance.
- Buyer to arrange 5–6 workers for installation and commissioning.
- Installation Salary: USD 120 per person per day, payable in advance before the engineer’s visit.