Advances in photovoltaic module recovery and recycling: Technologies, policies, and circular economy perspectives

Photovoltaic solar energy has emerged as a predominant renewable resource, propelled by technology advancements, favorable policies, and the increasing demand for sustainable alternatives. The rapid development of installed capacity poses a major challenge: managing millions of tons of end-of-life solar modules in the next decades. Inadequate disposal methods, hazardous materials, and lack of structured reverse logistics necessitate integrated recovery and recycling systems. Bibliometrics is used to map solar panel recovery research trends, applicable technologies, and significant concerns. A total of 718 documents indexed in the Web of Science database (via Café CAPES), published between 2016 and 2025, were analyzed utilizing VOSviewer and Bibliometrix software. Co-authorship networks, keyword frequency maps, and worldwide scientific production geography were created by the analysis. Results show significant growth in publications, from only 9 in 2016–120 in 2024. China (66 documents), India (31), and Brazil (27) emerged as the most productive countries. The findings also show how important it is to use hybrid recycling technologies that combine mechanical, thermal, and chemical approaches, as well as policy-driven initiatives and circular economy models, especially in Asia and the European Union. Technology is promising, but broad adoption requires better public regulations, economic incentives, and sustainable design innovation. These factors make photovoltaic recycling environmentally and economically viable, promoting the energy transition and developing a resilient circular economy for decades. • Maps global research trends on residential solar energy using bibliometric tools. • Identifies 10 thematic clusters shaping PV research, policy, and adoption patterns. • Highlights advances in perovskite PV, BIPV, and integration with EVs and storage. • Examines digitalization, AI, and IoT for smart residential grids and microgrids. • Discusses policy, financing, and equity challenges in global solar deployment.