Overview
- TNO in Eindhoven unveiled a laser process that cleanly takes apart old solar panels for material recovery.
- The laser heats only the cell’s top layer, which breaks the bond to the plastic encapsulant so glass stays intact and cells lift free with little residue.
- Lab results show recovery of about 99% of the silver and high‑purity silicon suitable for reuse in new cells or batteries.
- The method uses about 1 kWh of power per panel, while common thermal routes can consume around 25 kWh.
- TNO says the technology is ready for pilot projects with industry as Europe nears a 2030 wave of retired panels and solar manufacturing already uses roughly a quarter of mined silver.