In the process of solar panels recycling, double shafts shredder plays a vital role as the first-stage crushing equipment. With the increasing global demand for solar energy, the number of retired photovoltaic panels is also growing rapidly. This shredder is specially engineered to handle the robust structure of silicon-based PV modules, efficiently reducing their size and preparing them for further separation and purification processes. But how does it work? What materials can it handle beyond e-waste? How much does it cost? And what technical specifications should buyers be aware of?

How does the double shafts shredder work in PV panels recycling?

The double shafts shredder utilizes two parallel rotating shafts equipped with high-strength blades. As the blades rotate, materials are pulled in, torn, and cut into smaller pieces. For PV panels, which typically include tempered glass, aluminum frames, EVA film, and silicon cells, this method ensures uniform crushing without generating excessive dust or damaging valuable internal materials.

Double Shafts Shredder for Solar Panels Recycling

What other materials can doubel shafts shredder process besides solar panels?

The double shafts shredder is designed with versatility in mind, making it suitable for a wide range of solid waste materials beyond just solar panels and e-waste. Thanks to its high torque, low-speed dual shaft system and customizable blade configuration, the shredder can handle diverse waste streams in various recycling industries. Here are some of the typical materials it can effectively process:

How much does a double shafts shredder cost for solar panels recycling?

The price of a double shafts shredder for solar panels recycling varies significantly depending on several key factors such as machine size, capacity, blade material, motor power, and customization requirements. Generally speaking, the cost can range from $12,000 to $45,000. Below is a breakdown of how each factor impacts the total investment.

Blade Material and Design

Blades made of H13 tool steel, D2 steel, or even customized wear-resistant alloy are more durable and costly. But essential for long-term processing of silicon-based PV panels that contain both glass and metal. Blade thickness is commonly 30mm–50mm.

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Motor Power and Gearbox

Powerful shredders (e.g., dual 22kW or dual 30kW motors) are necessary for hard-to-crush materials like tempered glass and aluminum frames. And high-end models will use gear reducers for better torque transmission and machine stability, which affects to the cost.

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Machine Size and Capacity

Larger machines with a wider shredding chamber (e.g., 1200mm or 1500mm width) and higher throughput (e.g., 1–3 tons per hour) are typically more expensive. And if you’re planning to process full-size PV modules without pre-cutting, a larger hopper and chamber are necessary, which affects the price.

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Customization Options

Customizations such as: dust-proof or water-proof designs, extra-wide feeding ports, pre-installed conveyors, integrated discharge screens, color or logo customization…can all add up. Clients in the solar panel recycling industry often require sealed structures to contain fine silicon dust, further influencing the price.

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Why is blade design crucial for crushing solar panels?

When recycling silicon-based photovoltaic (PV) modules, especially after initial disassembly, the backsheet becomes one of the most challenging materials to shred. And the PV backsheet typically contains EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate), PET composite films, and residual glass fragments, making it both tough and abrasive. So, a poorly designed blade can result in equipment clogging, rapid wear, and inefficient shredding. Here’s why blade design is the core component of your solar panels shredder investment:

The shredded backsheet is a complex mix of rubbery EVA, tough plastic film, and sharp, hard glass particles. For this, this combination requires multi-functional cutting edges that can shear soft films while resisting wear from glass.

Using flat blades or toothed hook-style cutters can dramatically affect the way material is pulled and sheared. For example:

  • Hook-style blades can grip soft film and drag it into the cutter.
  • Serrated edges work better for thin glass fragments embedded in EVA.

The number of teeth, hook angle, and blade spacing must match the flexibility and density of PV backsheet materials.

The presence of glass particles in shredded backsheets requires using wear-resistant materials like: D2 / SKD-11 tool steel (High hardness + good wear resistance), H13 steel (Suitable for high shock loads) or even custom alloy steel with tungsten carbide coating for extreme applications.

EVA tends to soften under heat and stick to the blades, causing jamming. And blades must be precision-machined with anti-wrapping slots and proper clearance between rotary shafts. Some machines even feature self-cleaning blade systems.