Upcycling of Silicon Solar Cells: What Are the Options?

Solar power is widely recognised as a key clean energy technology which can help to replace the global reliance on fossil fuel energy sources. The rate at which photovoltaics are being deployed globally has increased approximately exponentially in recent years, with the vast majority of these devices being made from silicon. Whilst the number of solar modules reaching their end-of-life is relatively modest at present, it is rising and will increase significantly over the coming decade. As the number of silicon modules reaching their end-of-life rises, the issue of reutilisation of these cells has gained attention from scientists, governments and industries. Considering the cost of production, high embedded energy, potential significant volume of waste and scarcity of resource of certain cell parts, end-of-life silicon cells should be upcycled where possible. This chapter explores different options for upcycling (more specifically advanced or improved forms of recycling and reuse) of silicon solar cells at their end-of-life with the ultimate goal of contributing to reducing their post-use negative environmental impact whilst simultaneously benefiting the economy. This work discusses a range of theoretical options for successful upcycling of silicon devices through a review of the literature.