ABSTRACT

Solar cells are the best alternative and sustainable energy systems as compared to other nonrenewable energy sources. Various types of solar cells are developed in order to convert solar energy into electrical energy and their use is increasing tremendously. However, taking into consideration the escalating number of cells being installed every year, end-of-life management has become increasingly important. The day will soon arrive when these huge quantities of solar cells will reach their end of life, and hazardous contents used in their panels will pose a threat to the environment, if not disposed of properly or recycled. Solar cell modules contain various metals like Cu, Sn, Al, Zn, and Pb, along with valuable metals like silver, indium, gallium, and ruthenium, many of which are unavailable as primary ores and are found as by-products associated with primary base metal ores. The natural reserves of many of these ores are scarce and hence this will impact the future production due to their limited availability. Initiating a technology for recycling and reusing spent photovoltaic panels is thus inevitable. To date, very few reports are available on the recycling of solar cells using mechanical, pyro-, or hydrometallurgical techniques. This chapter puts forth the biohydrometallurgical recovery of metals from solar cells.