As global solar energy adoption continues to grow, so does the amount of waste solar panels reaching end-of-life. These old photovoltaic (PV) panels contain valuable materials like glass, aluminum, EVA glue layers, and plastic backsheets. But you must separate them efficiently to achieve true recycling value. And one of the most important machines used in this process is the gravity separator, especially in the step that handles crushed mixed materials after shredding. Whether you run a full PV panel recycling plant or are just starting with small-scale processing, this machine can greatly improve separation accuracy and boost your return on investment.

What is a gravity separator for photovoltaic panels disposal?

A gravity separator is a machine that separates materials based on their weight and density.

Simply put, it helps you sort out light and heavy pieces from a mixed batch of crushed materials. In the photovoltaic panel recycling process, after the panels are crushed into small pieces, you get a mixture of glass, plastic backsheets, and EVA glue layers. These materials are all mixed together. This is where the gravity separator comes in — it helps separate them cleanly and automatically.

gravity separator for photovoltaic panels disposal

How does gravity separator work to sieve for solar panels disposal?

Generally speaking, collecting dust and exhaust is essential in the whole process of solar panel disposal. However, in fact, you need to collect at the three stages. They are dismantling stage, crushing&separating stage, and pyrolysis stage. Why?

gravity separator working principle

The crushed photovoltaic panels are mainly composed of EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) and plastic backsheet. They are transported via a conveyor into the gravity separator. And to ensure uniform separation results, a vibrating feeder is often used to distribute the material evenly across the separation table.

Once on the separation table, the material is subjected to a carefully calibrated upward airflow and high-frequency vibrations. And these forces cause materials to stratify based on density and weight. For this, heavier particles like glass settle into the lower layers, while lighter components such as plastic backsheets and EVA rise to the upper layers.

After stratification, the gravity separator uses adjustable tilt angles and air flow nozzles to direct each type of material into different collection zones. Then internal baffles or diverters help split the streams. For example, backsheet flakes are blown toward the light fraction outlet, while glass falls to the heavy material discharge zone.

Finally, the separated materials are discharged into separate collection bins or conveyors. And each output can be independently monitored for purity and quantity. So, you can sell the recovered plastic backsheet as secondary raw material, and send the glass particles for further refinement or reuse in glass production.

How fast can you recover the investment about gravity separation machine?

One of the most common questions from our clients is: “How soon can I make my money back after buying the gravity separator?” The answer depends on the amount of PV waste you process daily and the market value of separated materials like plastic backsheets. Let’s break it down:

Example calculation

  • Processing capacity: 500 kg/hour

  • Daily working time: 8 hours/day

  • Recyclable plastic backsheets: 50–80 kg per ton of PV waste

  • Market value of recycled plastic: $250–$350 per ton

  • Machine cost: $5,000–$8,000

Estimated monthly return

  • 500 kg/h × 8 h × 30 days = 120,000 kg/month = 120 tons/month

  • Assume 60 kg plastic/ton × 120 tons = 7.2 tons plastic/month

  • 7.2 tons × $300 = $2,160/month

  • ROI in just 2–4 months: Even faster if you recycle in bulk or resell sorted glass and metals too!

ROI of gravity separation

Extra profit tips

Combine with shredders and other separators

You can setup a complete solar panels recycling plant. Combine the gravity separator with shredders and other separators to increase output value. Such as hammer mill, double shafts shredder, vibrating screening machine and electrostatic separator.

Offer local recycling services (per panel / per kg)

Many solar installers or solar farms don’t have the capacity to process end-of-life panels. For this, you can provide:

piece-by-piece recycling service: such as $1.5/piece

weight-based processing service: such as $100/ton

Additional profit points: This is a low-cost, high-return service-based income model that does not require too much inventory.

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