Abstract:
Since 2002, Thailand has started investing in the production of electricity from solar panels. And the installation has been increasing continuously, especially crystalline silicon solar panels. In the future, Thailand is likely to face the problems from large panel waste. The purpose of this study is to forecast the amount of panel waste and assess crystalline silicon panel waste management. The results showed that the cumulative amount of panel waste that will occur in the year 2039 from both perspectives (1. end-of-life panels at 20 years and 2. damaged panels combined with end-of-life panels at 20 years) in the range of 237,394 - 322,856 tons, with the highest volume of glass in range of 163,921 222,932 tons and the total volume of polymer materials (EVA, backsheet and silicone) are in the range of 31,384 42,6682 tons. And the result from the management methods found that the income from all methods is more than management costs. And in the thermal treatment method where heat is applied, the decomposition of the polymer material will occur in terms of heating value. EVA has the highest heating value in the range of 38.46 40.54 MJ/kg (Comparable to biodiesel 40.2 MJ/kg). There is a chance to recover the energy generated in the process. It can help to reduce fuel consumption. In this method can recover the largest amount of material will help offset the environmental impact that occurs. It is considered a credit arising from the environmental impact assessment. Especially, in the thermal treatment method, it can separate the largest volume of materials from panel waste, which reduces the landfill site, resulting in the income show the possibility of circular economy. Moreover, during the thermal process, there will be degradation of the polymer materials. Heating value (EVA is the highest heating value in the range of 38.46 40.54 MJ/kg is close to biodiesel), this will reduce the fuel consumption or for further use. And it is considered as a credit from thermal treatment in environmental impact assessment.