Study on the Suitability of Powdered Solar Cell Waste as Sustainable Alternative to Cement and Fine Aggregate in Concrete

Solar power, particularly from photovoltaic (PV) cells, has grown globally at 40% annually since 2000, transitioning from experimental to large-scale use. While this technology offers clean energy, disposal of PV modules poses environmental risks, yet limited research exists due to their long lifespan. To enhance sustainability in concrete production, it's crucial to utilize industrial by-products and waste for materials with lower energy consumption and carbon footprint. This study focuses on partial replacement of cement and fine aggregate with powdered PV cells. In a standard solar PV panel, most of the components can be recycled and used in concrete manufacture. The components of PV cells that can be used in concrete manufacture is glass, which make up more than 50% of panel weight. The study focuses on strength and water absorption characteristics of PV cell modified concrete. In this study 5% of cement, 15% fine aggregate and 5% cement +15% FA is replaced with powdered PV cell. This research investigates the feasibility of integrating powdered PV cells as supplementary materials in the creation of concrete with improved durability and sustainability. The goal is to provide valuable insights for the construction industry, addressing concerns regarding environmental impact and performance.