US 11,987,037 B2
Methods and systems for recycling end-of-life photovoltaic modules
Taesung Kim, Lake Forest, IL (US)
Filed by Taesung Kim, Lake Forest, IL (US)
Filed on Jul. 26, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/874,044.
Application 17/874,044 is a continuation of application No. 17/347,171, filed on Jun. 14, 2021, granted, now 11,407,215.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/124,844, filed on Dec. 13, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2022/0363047 A1, Nov. 17, 2022
Int. Cl. B32B 43/00 (2006.01); B32B 38/10 (2006.01); B65G 1/02 (2006.01); H02S 99/00 (2014.01)
CPC B32B 43/006 (2013.01) [B32B 38/10 (2013.01); B65G 1/02 (2013.01); H02S 99/00 (2013.01); B32B 2310/0806 (2013.01); B32B 2457/12 (2013.01)] 13 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method of decommissioning a solar module installation comprising a plurality of solar modules, the method comprising:
arranging components of a solar module disassembly system in one or more shipping containers, the components comprising an emitter configured to emit X-ray radiation, a peel block configured to separate layers of a first solar module, one or more automation devices configured to handle the first solar module, and a controller configured to supply power to and control the components;
transporting the components to the solar module installation;
applying X-ray radiation to the first solar module via the emitter to debond at least one of a first encapsulant layer or a second encapsulant layer of the first solar module; and
separating, using the peel block, at least one of a front layer or a back sheet from a plurality of solar cells of the first solar module.