From Waste to Resource: Sustainable Recycling Strategies for Monocrystalline Solar Panels in Indonesia

Authors

  • Muhammad Ihsan Nur Faizin Graduate School of Renewable Energy, Darma Persada University, Jl. Radin Inten 2, Pondok Kelapa, East Jakarta 13450, Indonesia
  • Andry Riyanto Graduate School of Renewable Energy, Darma Persada University, Jl. Radin Inten 2, Pondok Kelapa, East Jakarta 13450, Indonesia
  • Hernawan Heriyanto Graduate School of Renewable Energy, Darma Persada University, Jl. Radin Inten 2, Pondok Kelapa, East Jakarta 13450, Indonesia
  • Mei Budi Utami Budi
  • Omrie Ludji Graduate School of Renewable Energy, Darma Persada University, Jl. Radin Inten 2, Pondok Kelapa, East Jakarta 13450, Indonesia
  • Erkata Yandri Graduate School of Renewable Energy, Darma Persada University, Jl. Radin Inten 2, Pondok Kelapa, East Jakarta 13450, Indonesia; Center of Renewable Energy Studies, Darma Persada University, Jl. Radin Inten 2, Pondok Kelapa, East Jakarta 13450, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.60084/ljes.v3i2.340

Keywords:

Circular economy integration, End-of-life management, Material recovery innovation, Lifecycle sustainability, Green technology policy

Abstract

The rapid growth of photovoltaic (PV) installations in Indonesia, projected to exceed 8.5 GW by 2030, is expected to generate over 1 million tons of solar panel waste by 2050, highlighting the urgent need for end-of-life (EoL) management. This study evaluates the environmental impacts of monocrystalline PV panels and examines suitable recycling strategies for Indonesia. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) framework compares landfill and recycling scenarios using Global Warming Potential (GWP) and Cumulative Energy Demand (CED), supported by sensitivity analysis. Results show that aluminum recycling can reduce GWP by up to 83% and CED by 95% compared to primary production. Mechanical recycling and direct reuse are the most feasible options given local market conditions and technological readiness, while advanced recycling requires additional support. Extending panel lifespan and further improving efficiency further reduce emissions and accelerate carbon payback. The study emphasizes the need for a national PV waste management framework that integrates recycling with circular economic strategies. Policy measures such as Extended Producer Responsibility and fiscal incentives, combined with cross-sector collaboration, are crucial to ensuring a sustainable, low-carbon solar energy transition in Indonesia.

 

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Published

2025-10-23

How to Cite

Faizin, M. I. N., Riyanto, A., Heriyanto, H., Utami, M. B., Ludji, O., & Yandri, E. (2025). From Waste to Resource: Sustainable Recycling Strategies for Monocrystalline Solar Panels in Indonesia . Leuser Journal of Environmental Studies, 3(2), 99–112. https://doi.org/10.60084/ljes.v3i2.340

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 2 (2025): October 2025

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Ihsan Nur Faizin, Andry Riyanto, Hernawan Heriyanto, Mei Budi Utami, Omrie Ludji, Erkata Yandri

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.