Critical evaluation of technological, environmental, and economic recyclability for typical EOL PV cells considering...

Managing end-of-life (EoL) photovoltaic (PV) modules is a critical sustainability challenge amplified by rapid PV expansion. Yet current recyclability assessments often lack a dynamic, multi-dimensional analysis. To address this shortfall, this study develops a framework to dynamically assess technical (R_T), environmental (R_Env), and economic (R_E) recyclability for major PV technologies (monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, cadmium telluride, copper indium gallium selenide), complemented by a global sensitivity and uncertainty analysis. Results reveal distinct recyclability profiles: CdTe demonstrated the highest technical recyclability (R_T) and the strongest comprehensive performance, while thin-film technologies like CIGS showed the greatest potential environmental benefits (R_Env), and early silver-rich c-Si generations were the most economically valuable, with gross market values up to 1.06 USD/kg, and CdTe also showing strong R_E (0.64 USD/kg). Crucially, the analysis reveals a clear hierarchy of robustness among the metrics. R_T is a robust indicator driven by material content (P_i). R_Env exhibits significant uncertainty, co-dominated by both material content (P_i) and carbon factors (CF_i). R_E is the most volatile metric, overwhelmingly influenced by the market prices (v_i) of a few key metals. This research underscores the inherent trade-offs between front-end manufacturing choices and back-end recycling incentives, highlighting the necessity of using dynamic, multi-dimensional assessments to guide targeted eco-design and policies for a circular PV economy.