Scrap Glass is Rs 18 per KG in Karachi.
Scrap Aluminum is Rs 1000 per KG in Karachi.
So the 4-5 KG of glass is worth about Rs 100 module and the aluminum of 2-4 KG is worth about Rs 3000.
So an old solar module shall most likely be scrapped at a rate of Rs 3000 per module and you are not likely to see it around after its life has ended in a large city where there are many scrap dealers and collectors around.
The other materials might get wasted because their quantities are quite minute. Also the wires in some recent modules are not copper but aluminum. I know this because I saw the insides of the wires in a case where the module's cables had shorted and melted. I am talking about modules manufactured in the year 2017. Due to the strong price competition to keep prices low, it is most likely that you shall not be expecting any copper in the modules cables which are connected to the junction box behind it.
Solar panels are made up of several materials, some of which are recyclable in various quantities. The main materials in a typical silicon-based solar panel are:
1. Silicon Wafers: These are the most crucial component of solar panels. Silicon wafers are typically not recycled at the end of a solar panel's life because they can be reused to manufacture new solar panels. However, some recycling methods can recover a small amount of silicon from damaged or defective panels.
2. Glass: The glass used in solar panels is highly recyclable. It makes up a significant portion of a solar panel's weight. At the end of a panel's life, the glass can be melted down and used in the manufacturing of new panels. On average, a typical solar panel contains around 4-5 kilograms of glass.
3. Aluminum Frames: Solar panels have aluminum frames that provide structural support. Aluminum is highly recyclable and can be melted down and reused. A typical solar panel frame might contain around 2-4 kilograms of aluminum.
4. EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) Encapsulation: EVA is used to encapsulate the solar cells and protect them from environmental factors. While EVA itself is not typically recycled from old panels, it can be separated from the other components during the recycling process and incinerated for energy recovery.
5. Backsheet: The backsheet is usually made of a combination of plastic and other materials. Recycling the backsheet can be challenging due to its mixed composition, but some recycling methods may recover plastics.
6. Silver and Copper: Solar cells are interconnected with silver and copper wiring. While these materials are present in small quantities in each panel, they can be extracted and recycled. On average, a panel may contain a few grams of silver and copper.
7. Other Materials: In addition to the above materials, solar panels may contain small amounts of various other materials like adhesives, junction boxes, and connectors. These materials are often difficult to recycle and may be incinerated or disposed of in landfills.
Recycling rates and techniques for solar panels are continually evolving, and the exact amount of each material that can be recycled from a panel may vary depending on the recycling process used and the type of panel. It's important to note that not all solar panels reach the end of their life at the same time, and recycling rates may increase as the industry matures and more panels become available for recycling.
Efforts are underway to improve the recyclability of solar panels and to develop more efficient recycling processes to reduce waste and recover valuable materials. Additionally, regulations and incentives for solar panel recycling are being implemented in various regions to promote sustainability in the solar industry.