Cost Optimization of Decommissioning and Recycling CdTe PV Power Plants

This paper evaluates the cost of decommissioning, at the end of their lives, utility-scale ground-mount CdTe PV power plants in the U.S.-SW, based on publicly available industry data and General Algebraic Modeling System (GAMS) optimization, to maximize the net revenue from this activity. The recycling of structure and modules could create a profit of $ 1.58 per module area, the major revenue coming from the copper of the cables and the steel and aluminum of the module mounting and support. Planning for easy recovery of materials from the BOS in addition to those from the modules could further add to the profitability of recycling.