Critical evaluation of technological, environmental, and economic recyclability for typical EOL PV cells considering technological iteration and temporal dynamics.

Managing end-of-life (EoL) photovoltaic (PV) modules is a critical sustainability challenge amplified by rapid PV expansion. Yet current recyclability assessments often lack a dynamic, multi-dimensional analysis. To address this shortfall, this study develops a framework to dynamically assess technical (RT), environmental (REnv), and economic (RE) recyclability for major PV technologies (monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, cadmium telluride, copper indium gallium selenide), complemented by a global sensitivity and uncertainty analysis. Results reveal distinct recyclability profiles: CdTe demonstrated the highest technical recyclability (RT) and the strongest comprehensive performance, while thin-film technologies like CIGS showed the greatest potential environmental benefits (REnv), and early silver-rich c-Si generations were the most economically valuable, with gross market values up to 1.06 USD/kg, and CdTe also showing strong RE (0.64 USD/kg). Crucially, the analysis reveals a clear hierarchy of robustness among the metrics. RT is a robust indicator driven by material content (Pi). REnv exhibits significant uncertainty, co-dominated by both material content (Pi) and carbon factors (CFi). RE is the most volatile metric, overwhelmingly influenced by the market prices (vi) of a few key metals. This research underscores the inherent trade-offs between front-end manufacturing choices and back-end recycling incentives, highlighting the necessity of using dynamic, multi-dimensional assessments to guide targeted eco-design and policies for a circular PV economy.