Solar Panels: Okayama-Based Company Unveils Groundbreaking Machine to Address Mass Disposal Problem
Niimi Solar's new machine uses heat to decompose solar panels and could prove to be a feasible solution to the coming era of mass disposal of solar panels.
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Okayama Prefecture-based Niimi Solar Company is known for developing pyrolysis, or heat decomposition, equipment for solar panels. On April 16, the company announced the completion of a working model for the market.
Widespread adoption of the machine would accelerate the proper disposal and recycling of solar panels. This could represent a major step forward in addressing the problem of mass disposal predicted for the late 2030s.
Low Environmental Impact
Niimi Solar developed the prototype of its product in 2019. The machine decomposes solar panels using high-temperature steam. This allows for high-purity recovery of materials like glass and copper wire without emitting carbon dioxide (CO2). Low environmental impact is a defining feature.
The machine measures about 5 meters in length and 15 meters in depth and stands 3 meters high. Niimi Solar improved upon its prototype for the new model, which now automatically separates materials by type for removal.
A demonstration was performed at a press event on April 16 in Niimi City. The machine took only about 10 minutes to break down and separate the materials of one solar panel.
Each machine can process up to about 90,000 solar panels annually. The first unit is scheduled to be delivered to a company in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, within the 2025 fiscal year.
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