South Korea 3 Ton Solar Panel Pyrolysis Plant Project
Project Background
South Korea’s booming solar installations have led to a sharp rise in end-of-life and damaged PV panels, as early modules fail from aging, weathering, transit damage or efficiency loss.
A Korean renewable recycling firm sought an efficient waste PV treatment solution to recover valuable materials. Conventional landfill and basic mechanical separation fail to process PV organics and bring extra environmental burdens.
After comparing recycling technologies, the client selected a 3-ton/day skid-mounted pyrolysis plant to cut waste volume, recover energy resources and build sustainable PV recycling.
They needed a compact, rapidly deployable system requiring minimal labor, capable of handling complex PV waste including EVA encapsulant, backsheets and other organics.
Pyrolysis Unit delivered a tailored pyrolysis solution dedicated to waste solar panel recycling.
Professional Solution Provided for the Customer
After analyzing the customer’s feedstock properties and processing needs, our engineering team developed a compact modular 3-ton/day skid-mounted PV panel pyrolysis system.
- Core challenge: PV panels consist of glass, aluminum frames, silicon cells, metals, EVA film, backsheet and other polymers. Pre-treatment of waste panels is necessary before pyrolysis to boost thermal efficiency and stable operation.
- Full process configuration: The system covers PV waste preparation, feeding unit, pyrolysis reactor, oil condensation, combustible gas recovery and flue gas purification.
- Skid-mounted advantages: All key parts are pre-assembled into modules. It shortens installation & commissioning time vs traditional fixed plants, cuts site construction work and costs.
- Reactor & working principle: The indirect-heating pyrolysis reactor ensures even heat distribution and precise temperature control. Under oxygen-free conditions, organics (EVA, plastics) break down into pyrolysis oil, combustible gas and carbon residue.
- Energy saving design: Generated combustible gas is reused as fuel for the combustion chamber to reduce external fuel use and operating expenses. Auto temperature control maintains stable running.
- Emission compliance: A multi-stage exhaust purification system removes dust and hazardous pollutants to satisfy South Korea’s strict environmental regulations.
- Full technical support: We supply equipment layout design, installation guidance, operational training and after-sales service to guarantee safe and efficient plant operation after commissioning.
Project Results
ISO CE Approved
The equipment quality has passed IAF, CNAS, ISO, CE certifications, Certified by international professional organizations, the equipment is safe and reliable.
AAA Credit Audited Enterprise
One of the top refining equipment manufacturers in China, The government Audited Superb as AAA credit company (top level).
Solutions for Pyrolysis And Distillation
We will provide you with the latest industry solutions, and provide you with a one-year after-sales warranty to ensure stable operation of the equipment.
24-hour service
We have professional engineers to solve various problems for you, including equipment, process, material problems, etc.
Professional R&D team
We have obtained a number of utility model patents, including distillation production equipment and pyrolysis module equipment.
Fast Delivery
We have sufficient stock of pyrolysis and distillation equipment to ensure efficient logistics and fast delivery.
1. Equipment Performance Results
- Project: Waste PV Panel Recycling Project, South Korea
- Equipment: 3 Ton/Day Skid-Mounted Pyrolysis Plant
- Feedstock: Waste solar panels
- Daily capacity: 3 tons
- Annual operating days: 300 days
- Annual processing capacity: 900 tons
2. Pyrolysis Oil Output
- Oil yield rate: ~18%
- Annual pyrolysis oil output: 162 tons
- Usage: Can be refined or used as industrial fuel
3. Combustible Gas & Energy Recovery
- Organic matter is converted into combustible gas during pyrolysis.
- Gas is recycled to heat the reactor, cutting external fuel consumption and operating costs.
4. Investment & Economic Analysis
Initial Investment
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 3 Ton/Day Skid-Mounted Pyrolysis Plant | $180,000 |
| Installation & Commissioning | $20,000 |
| Auxiliary Equipment | $15,000 |
| Site Preparation | $10,000 |
| Total Investment | $225,000 |
Annual Revenue
| Source | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pyrolysis Oil (162 tons @ $600/ton) | $97,200 |
| Waste Treatment Fee (900 tons @ $100/ton) | $90,000 |
| Total Annual Revenue | $187,200 |
Profit & Payback
- Annual operating cost: $70,000
- Annual net profit: $117,200
- Payback period: ~1.9 years (18–24 months)
- Benefit: Continuous profit after payback, reduces PV waste disposal burden
Conclusion
The successful installation of the 3-ton/day skid-mounted solar panel pyrolysis plant in South Korea provides an effective solution for recycling end-of-life photovoltaic modules. Through pyrolysis technology, the customer can convert waste PV panels into valuable resources, including pyrolysis oil and recyclable materials, while reducing environmental impact.
The compact skid-mounted design, efficient energy recovery system, and customized recycling process allowed the customer to achieve stable operation with lower installation requirements. The project demonstrates that waste photovoltaic panel pyrolysis can be a practical and profitable method for renewable energy waste management.
As solar panel waste continues to increase worldwide, advanced pyrolysis recycling technology provides businesses with a sustainable approach to resource recovery and supports the development of a circular economy.