The APOLLO project is at the forefront of revolutionising the recycling practices for Photovoltaic (PV) waste modules. Current recycling practices for PV waste modules are deemed unrefined, recovering low volumes and low-value materials.

To be economical and sustainable the recycling of PV waste needs to efficiently recover all of the material constituents at a quality suitable for the reuse in new PVs, with minimal impact. To address this, APOLLO aims to establish a circular approach to link legacy recycling, future production and future recycling.

APOLLO employs a novel continuous 'sonification' technique, utilising ultrasonically excited etchant, to rapidly separate silicon, silver, copper, and other metals in a sequence along a pipe-based process. The closed-loop system recycles used liquid etchants, minimising waste and maintaining a small environmental footprint.

The project goes beyond material recovery, demonstrating the suitability of the recycled silicon by growing new ingots, manufacturing solar cells, and ultimately creating new PV modules. These modules will feature innovative designs, materials, and manufacturing methods, designed with disassembly and recycling in mind.  

The project was kicked off on February 22nd and 23rd 2024 in Halle (Saale), Germany. Visit the project Gallery, featuring photos from the Kick-off meeting along with the meeting highlights report.

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