ESG Value Blind Spots and Sustainable Development Paths of Photovoltaic Module Recycling

Shuyang Gu

doi:10.54254/2754-1169/2025.GL27176

Advances in Economics, Management and Political SciencesOpen access

ESG Value Blind Spots and Sustainable Development Paths of Photovoltaic Module Recycling

Research Article

Open Access

ESG Value Blind Spots and Sustainable Development Paths of Photovoltaic Module Recycling

Shuyang Gu ^1*

¹ Beijing University of Technology

^*Corresponding author: shuyang.gu@ucdconnect.ie

Published on 24 September 2025

AEMPS Vol.219

ISSN (Print): 2754-1177

ISSN (Online): 2754-1169

ISBN (Print): 978-1-80590-387-1

ISBN (Online): 978-1-80590-388-8

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Abstract

As the world's photovoltaic (PV) industry develops at a fast speed, the abandoned amount of PV modules also increases yearly. How to recycle them has become an important issue in the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) field. However, there are many blind spots in the ESG value of the current PV module recycling process. These include environmental risks, threats to workers’ health, and imperfect policies. Based on the latest industry data, this study uses literature review and case analysis to examine the current state of PV module recycling and its ESG blind spots. It also proposes suggestions for sustainable development paths. The results show several environmental problems in PV module recycling. For example, the recovery rate of high-value materials is low. There is also heavy metal pollution and secondary pollution caused by chemical treatments. At the social level, workers face high health risks, and public awareness is insufficient. At the governance level, the policy system is incomplete, and responsibility boundaries are unclear. Further analysis shows that improving policies and regulations, enhancing social awareness and corporate technological innovation are the keys to addressing ESG blind spots. This study provides theoretical support and practical guidance for the sustainable development of the PV industry.

Keywords:

photovoltaic module recycling, ESG, sustainable development

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References

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References

[1]. Wang, Y., Zhao, Y., Lin, L., & Teng, J. (2023). Photovoltaic modules "retired", where to go. Journal of Science and Technology, 005. https: //doi.org/10.28502/n.cnki.nkjrb.2023.00355

[3]. Xu, L., & Ding, R. (2025). Where do retired photovoltaic modules go? Resource Regeneration, (03), 36–37+39.

[8]. Ndalloka, Z. N., Nair, H. V., Alpert, S., & Schmid, C. (2024). Solar photovoltaic recycling strategies. Solar Energy, 270, 112379. https: //doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2024.112379

[11]. Photovoltaic modules recycle dilemma for solution. (2025). Huaxing, 003. https: //doi.org/10.28386/n.cnki.nhxbs.2025.001509

[12]. Shao, L. (2024). Discussion on recycling and reuse strategies for photovoltaic modules under sustainable development. China Equipment Engineering, (23), 254–257.

Cite this article

Gu,S. (2025). ESG Value Blind Spots and Sustainable Development Paths of Photovoltaic Module Recycling. Advances in Economics, Management and Political Sciences,219,52-58.

Data availability

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study will be available from the authors upon reasonable request.

About volume

Volume title: Proceedings of ICFTBA 2025 Symposium: Financial Framework's Role in Economics and Management of Human-Centered Development

ISBN: 978-1-80590-387-1(Print) / 978-1-80590-388-8(Online)

Editor: Lukáš Vartiak, Habil. Florian Marcel Nuţă

Conference website: https://2025.icftba.org/Galati.html

Conference date: 17 October 2025

Series: Advances in Economics, Management and Political Sciences

Volume number: Vol.219

ISSN: 2754-1169(Print) / 2754-1177(Online)

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