US Patent 11987037 Methods and systems for recycling end-of-life photovoltaic modules

A system for preparing a solar module assembly for recycling includes a vessel configured to control a temperature and a humidity therewithin and to receive a solar module of the solar module assembly, the solar module including a plurality of solar cells, a front layer coupled to the plurality of solar cells by a first encapsulant layer, and a back sheet coupled to the plurality of solar cells by a second encapsulant layer. The system further includes an emitter positioned within the vessel and configured to emit electromagnetic radiation toward the solar module to debond at least one of the first encapsulant layer or the second encapsulant layer and a peel block configured to separate at least one of the front layer or the back sheet from the plurality of solar cells. The system is configured to be transported in one or more standard shipping containers.