Development of a recyclable PV-module - expansion to multi-cells modules

By recycling PV cells, we can save the significant amount of energy consumed in the manufacture of PV cells, and reduce the total cost of PV modules as a consequence. We are developing a recyclable PV-module called "double encapsulation module (DEM)", in which a transparent nonadhesive film to PV cell is placed between PV cell and EVA. We have reported experimental results of the DEMs using single cell modules in the previous papers. To show the feasibility of this concept for practical use, we made 9-cells DEMs and extracted problems from the assembling and disassembling processes. Examination of the reliability for 9-cell DEMs was also made. Furthermore, module disassembly and cell recovery examination were conducted. We confirmed that successful recovery of PV cells from the 9-cell DEMs is possible.