Researchers at the St. Petersburg State Electrotechnical University VI Lenin, commonly known as LETI, have unveiled a new method for processing solar cell components using steam. The university shared details of this development with socialbites.ca, highlighting its potential to transform how used solar panels are handled after service life.
Solar panels comprise a metal framework protected by polymer layers that shield against oxidation and ultraviolet exposure. Traditionally, the disassembly of spent panels occurs in high-temperature settings within muffle furnaces, where precise heating drives the separation of materials. In such environments, parts of electronic structures can burn due to the presence of oxygen, a consequence that leads to oxidation of metal components and reduces their suitability for reuse. Moreover, the conventional high-temperature thermal treatment generates environmental concerns due to ash and gas emissions, complicating lifecycle assessments and compliance with eco-standards.
According to Irina Vezhenkova, associate professor in the department of environmental engineering at LETI and deputy head of the academic studies unit, a prototype facility has been developed to separate the insulators from metals and circuitry under a high-temperature, superheated steam atmosphere. This approach creates a chamber environment that closely resembles an inert medium, significantly reducing the risk of oxidation and thermal degradation of metal parts. The steam-based process is designed to preserve the integrity of the metal components, enabling easier reuse in manufacturing or second-life applications while minimizing material loss.
In practice, the steam environment interacts with the polymer protective layers, causing the polymers to dissolve and detach from the metal substrates without exposing the metal to oxidative conditions. As a result, the metal elements can be recovered in a form suitable for reuse, and the absence of ash simplifies downstream environmental monitoring. By analyzing the gas fractions emitted during processing, researchers can assess the environmental footprint of the system and compare it with traditional methods, potentially guiding future policy and industry practice toward cleaner recycling techniques [Attribution: LETI research communications].
The development aligns with broader trends in solar panel recycling, where emphasis is placed on maintaining material value while reducing environmental impact. The LETI study demonstrates how controlled steam processing can offer a safer, more sustainable alternative to conventional high-temperature methods. By preserving metal integrity and enabling cleaner separation of components, this method may open pathways for reclaiming valuable metals and reintroducing them into new photovoltaic products or other industrial uses [Attribution: LETI research communications].
Legislation and industry standards in Russia, along with global shifts toward circular economy practices, underscore the importance of advancing recycling technologies for electronics and energy devices. The LETI project contributes to this discourse by providing a scalable technique that addresses both efficiency and environmental concerns. Researchers emphasize that the framework can be adapted to different panel designs and component configurations, making it a versatile tool for future recycling facilities. The ongoing work includes evaluating long-term performance, optimizing steam conditions, and quantifying material recovery rates to support broader adoption [Attribution: LETI research communications].
Beyond technical improvements, the steam-based separation method offers practical advantages for facilities seeking to reduce emissions, conserve resources, and streamline processing workflows. By avoiding the formation of ash and limiting oxidation, the process can lower waste handling costs and support more accurate life-cycle assessments. The approach also enables researchers to gain clearer insights into the environmental implications of recycling operations, contributing to a more transparent and responsible industry standard [Attribution: LETI research communications].
As the solar energy sector continues expanding across Canada and the United States, innovations like LETI’s steam-based processing may influence how recyclers design plants and select technologies. Clean, efficient recycling is a critical piece of the solar value chain, ensuring that the materials embedded in solar modules can be reused and repurposed in a sustainable loop rather than discarded. By combining material preservation with environmental accountability, this method presents a compelling option for future policy discussions and industrial investments [Attribution: LETI research communications].