Photovoltaic module dismantling process

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for dismantling a series of photovoltaic modules (M_1, M_2), the method comprising: A cutting step (E1) of a sample (ECH_1) of a first photovoltaic module (M_1) of the series, said sample comprising at least said back layer of the photovoltaic module; An analysis step (E2) of said cut sample in order to determine the thickness and composition of each layer of the back layer of the first photovoltaic module; A determination step (E3) of machining parameters (P_U) to be applied to remove each layer of the back layer (1) of each photovoltaic module in the series of photovoltaic modules, taking into account the analysis performed on the sample. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 2A

Description

Title of the invention: Method for dismantling a photovoltaic module Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for dismantling, at least partially, a photovoltaic module. State of the art

[0002] A photovoltaic module comprises photovoltaic cells designed to convert solar energy into electrical energy.

[0003] Such a photovoltaic module contains many interesting materials to recover and valorize when the module is at the end of its life or faulty.

[0004] Classically, a photovoltaic module is presented in the form of a panel composed of the assembly of three main layers superimposed and fixed together: - A first layer, called the back layer (commonly called "backsheet"), forming a first protective element on the back face; - A second layer, called the intermediate layer; this intermediate layer includes the photovoltaic cells, the electrical connections between the cells and an encapsulation envelope arranged around the photovoltaic cells; - A third layer, called the front layer, forming a second protective element on the front face; this front layer is often made of glass or made of a transparent polymer to allow light rays to pass through;

[0005] With a view to recycling a photovoltaic module, various solutions have already been considered. One method consists of crushing the module in its entirety, then subjecting it to various thermal and / or chemical treatments in order to separate the materials that make up its composition, such as glass, silver, copper, silicon... However, this first method is energy-intensive and not very environmentally friendly.

[0006] Patent application WO2019 / 043329A1 proposes a method for disassembling a photovoltaic module, which consists of removing each layer of the module to separate it by cutting it with an abrasive wire. Each removed layer can then be processed separately to recover the materials of interest. This latter method has some drawbacks. It requires several separate processing stations, first for cutting, then for grinding each removed layer.

[0007] Patent application EP3352227A1 and patent application US2018 / 133720Ald describe solutions for disassembling photovoltaic modules.

[0008] Patent application EP4159397A1 describes the removal by sanding of the first protective element located on the rear face and a selective machining of the intermediate layer, carried out by milling.

[0009] Currently, the photovoltaic modules that are to be dismantled can be of various origins and have been manufactured at different times, more or less distant. However, the composition of the modules has varied over time.

[0010] Photovoltaic modules, in particular, include: - The back layer contains a stratum made of a fluorinated polymer and assembled on a stratum made of a non-fluorinated polymer; - The back layer contains only a single layer made of a non-fluorinated polymer; - The non-fluorinated polymer can be made of Polyamide, PET or other material; - The encapsulation envelope of the intermediate layer is made of an EVA-type material or another material; - The front layer made of glass may or may not contain antimony;

[0011] Depending on the composition of the module, the dismantling will have to be adapted in order to make the best use of its different components.

[0012] The aim of the invention is therefore to propose a solution for dismantling a photovoltaic module taking into account the composition of the strata / layers of the photovoltaic module, thus allowing better separation of the different compounds and better recovery of them. Description of the invention

[0013] This goal is achieved by a method of dismantling a series of photovoltaic modules, each photovoltaic module in the series of photovoltaic modules comprising several superimposed layers composed of: - A first layer, called the back layer, forming a first protective element on the rear face of the photovoltaic module, this back layer being made from at least one polymer material, - A second layer, called the intermediate layer, inserted between the back layer and a third layer, called the front layer, and comprising an encapsulation casing in which photovoltaic cells are placed, - The front layer, forming a second protective element on the front face of the photovoltaic module, - Each layer may consist of one or more strata, - The process includes: - A step of cutting a sample of a first photovoltaic module from the series, said sample comprising at least said back layer of the photovoltaic module, - An analysis step of said cut sample in order to determine the thickness and composition of each layer of said back layer, - A step of determining machining parameters to be applied to remove each layer of the back layer of each photovoltaic module in the series of photovoltaic modules taking into account the analysis carried out on the sample.

[0014] It should be noted that the sample cutting step and the analysis step can be carried out on several photovoltaic modules of the series, before the determination of the machining parameters.

[0015] According to a particular embodiment, when the back layer includes a first layer, located at the rear of the first photovoltaic module and made from a fluorinated polymer, the process consists of setting the machining parameters to remove only this first layer by machining.

[0016] According to another particular embodiment, when the back layer of the first photovoltaic module has a second layer located between said first layer and the intermediate layer, said second layer being made from a non-fluorinated polymer, the process consists of setting the machining parameters to remove only this second layer by machining, after the removal by machining of said first layer.

[0017] According to another particular embodiment, when the back layer has a first layer, located at the back of the first photovoltaic module and made from a non-fluorinated polymer, the process consists of fixing the machining parameters to remove this first layer only by machining.

[0018] According to one particular feature, the process includes a machining step of each stratum of the back layer of each photovoltaic module in the series of photovoltaic modules according to the machining parameters determined for the first photovoltaic module.

[0019] According to another feature, the machining step of each layer is implemented by sanding.

[0020] According to another feature, the process includes a step of verifying the removal of said first layer of the back layer.

[0021] According to another feature, the cutting step consists of taking a sample of the first photovoltaic module containing the back layer and the intermediate layer of the first photovoltaic module.

[0022] According to another feature - The analysis stage of said cut sample is carried out in order to also determine the thickness and composition of each layer of said intermediate layer, - Machining parameters are also determined to remove each layer of the intermediate layer of each photovoltaic module in the series of photovoltaic modules, taking into account the analysis carried out on the sample.

[0023] According to another feature, the process includes a machining step of the intermediate layer of each photovoltaic module of the photovoltaic modules series, taking into account the determined machining parameters.

[0024] According to another feature, the process includes a step of verifying the shrinkage of the intermediate layer.

[0025] According to another feature, the analysis step is carried out by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.

[0026] According to another feature, the cutting step is carried out using a controlled cutting tool to cut the first photovoltaic module at a determined angle, inclined with respect to the normal to the plane formed by the rear face of the first photovoltaic module.

[0027] The invention also relates to a dismantling system for a series of photovoltaic modules, each photovoltaic module in the series of photovoltaic modules comprising several superimposed layers composed of: - A first layer, called the back layer, forming a first protective element on the rear face of the photovoltaic module, this back layer being made from at least one polymer material, - A second layer, called the intermediate layer, inserted between the back layer and a third layer, called the front layer, and comprising an encapsulation casing in which photovoltaic cells are placed, - The front layer, forming a second protective element on the front face of the photovoltaic module, - Each layer may consist of one or more strata, - The system comprising: - A cutting station for a sample of the first photovoltaic module in the series, said sample comprising at least the said back layer of the photovoltaic module, - An analysis station for said sample cut in order to determine the thickness and composition of each layer of said back layer, - Means of determining machining parameters to be applied to remove each layer of the back layer of each photovoltaic module in the series of photovoltaic modules taking into account the analysis carried out on the sample by the analysis station.

[0028] According to a particular embodiment, when the back layer includes a first layer, located at the rear of the first photovoltaic module and made from a fluorinated polymer, the determination means are configured to fix the machining parameters to remove by machining this first layer only.

[0029] According to another particular embodiment, when the back layer of the first photovoltaic module has a second layer located between said first layer and the intermediate layer, said second layer being made from a non-fluorinated polymer, the determination means are configured to fix the machining parameters to remove only this second layer by machining, after the removal by machining of said first layer.

[0030] According to another particular embodiment, when the back layer has a first layer, located at the back of the first photovoltaic module and made from a non-fluorinated polymer, the determination means are configured to fix the machining parameters to remove this first layer only by machining.

[0031] According to one particular feature, the system includes a separate machining station for machining each layer of the back layer of each photovoltaic module in the series of photovoltaic modules according to the determined machining parameters.

[0032] According to another feature, each machining station includes a sanding tool.

[0033] According to another feature, the cutting station is controlled to take a sample of the first photovoltaic module containing the back layer and the intermediate layer (2) of the first photovoltaic module.

[0034] According to another feature: - The analysis station for said cut sample is configured to also determine the thickness and composition of each layer of said intermediate layer, - The machining parameters are also determined to remove each layer of the intermediate layer of each photovoltaic module in the series of photovoltaic modules taking into account the analysis carried out on the sample by the analysis station.

[0035] According to another feature, the system includes a machining station for the intermediate layer of each photovoltaic module in the series of photovoltaic modules, taking into account the determined machining parameters.

[0036] According to another feature, the analysis station includes a Fourier transform infrared spectroscope.

[0037] According to another feature, the cutting tool is controlled to cut the first photovoltaic module at a determined angle, inclined with respect to the normal to the plane formed by the rear face of the first photovoltaic module. Brief description of the figures

[0038] Other features and advantages will become apparent in the detailed description that follows, in conjunction with the attached drawings listed below: - Figures IA and IB show, in cross-section, two examples of the realization of the multilayer structure of a photovoltaic module; - Figures 2A and 2B illustrate the principle of implementation of the system of the invention in correlation with the steps of the process of the invention;

[0039] Detailed description of at least one embodiment

[0040] In the following description, the front face of the photovoltaic module M corresponds to a face of the module receiving the light rays and the rear face corresponds to the face opposite to the front face.

[0041] In the following description, the terms rear and front are therefore to be considered by taking an axis perpendicular to the surface of the module and oriented from its rear face to its front face.

[0042] With reference to [Fig.1A] and [Fig.1B], in a known manner, a photovoltaic module comprises several superimposed layers assembled together: - A first layer, called back layer 1 (commonly called "backsheet"), forming a first protective element on the back face; this back layer is usually made of a polymer-type material with one or more layers (see below); - A second layer, called intermediate layer 2, inserted between the back layer 1 and the front layer 3 (described below), allowing the assembly of one side of the back layer 1 and the other side of the front layer 3; this intermediate layer 2 includes the photovoltaic cells 20, the electrical connectors 22 and an encapsulation envelope 21 arranged around the photovoltaic cells; - The front layer 3, forming a second protective element on the front face; this front layer 3 is usually made of glass or a transparent polymer;

[0043] It should be noted that in the attached figures, the photovoltaic module M is shown upside down, so that its rear face is located above and the front face is located below.

[0044] For readability reasons in the attached Figures IA and IB, the different layers of the module are not shown to scale. For example, the back layer 1 may have a thickness of a few hundred pm (for example about 350pm), the intermediate layer 2 may have a thickness of up to 1mm and the front layer 3 may have a thickness of about 3 to 4mm.

[0045] The back layer 1 can in particular provide a gas and water impermeability function, an electrical protection / insulation function and a mechanical protection function.

[0046] This back layer 1 may comprise one or more distinct strata.

[0047] As shown in [Fig. IA], it may in particular include a first A second layer 10, located furthest back, is made of a fluorinated polymer, and a second layer 11, arranged in front of this first layer 10, is composed of a non-fluorinated polymer. A third layer (not shown) made of a fluorinated polymer can also be integrated in front of the second layer, in contact with the intermediate layer.

[0048] In the case where the back layer is composed of a single layer 11 as in the structure of [Fig.1B], it is composed of a non-fluorinated polymer.

[0049] The fluorinated polymer may be polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), for example marketed under the name TEDLAR (registered trademark) by the DuPont company (registered trademark).

[0050] The non-fluorinated polymer may be PET (poly(ethylene terephthalate)), polyamide or other.

[0051] In the intermediate layer 2, the encapsulating layer 21 is conventionally made of a polymer such as EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate), forming a material to which the back layer 1 can adhere on one side and the front layer 3 on the other, allowing the three layers to be joined together. The three layers can be joined together by hot lamination, so that the back layer 1 and the front layer 3 adhere to the encapsulating layer material, thus forming a single-piece stack.

[0052] In the intermediate layer 2, the photovoltaic cells 20 are connected to each other in series / parallel, forming several strings of cells. Electrical connection elements 22, for example made of copper, provide the electrical connections between the cells 20 in each string.

[0053] The photovoltaic module M may include a frame (not shown), for example made of aluminum, arranged around the periphery of the stack to stiffen the module M. For the implementation of the invention described below, this frame, as well as the electrical junction box (not shown) generally fixed to the rear face of the module M, are first removed. The method of the invention is in fact more specifically dedicated to the treatment of the layer stack of the photovoltaic module M.

[0054] The process of the invention is implemented using a system comprising a processing unit responsible for controlling the implementation of the different stages of the process.

[0055] The system may also include: - A sampling station for one or more samples by localized cutting of one or more photovoltaic modules for the purpose of their characterization; - A station for analyzing the sample of the cut module; - One or more machining stations for each layer of the module; - One or more verification stations for each machining operation performed; - An optical analysis station for the intermediate layer; - A front layer analysis station;

[0056] The system may include conveying means, consisting of one or more conveyors, controlled to advance each photovoltaic module during its dismantling at each machining / analysis station.

[0057] One of the principles of the invention consists of taking a sample of at least one photovoltaic module in order to characterize it, in order to deduce the machining parameters to be applied, these machining parameters being adapted to remove one or more strata / layers of the photovoltaic modules belonging to the same series of photovoltaic modules.

[0058] Sampling can be repeated several times, either on the same photovoltaic module or on one or more other photovoltaic modules from the same series. Statistical sampling can be implemented to select several photovoltaic modules from the same series for characterization. The machining parameters are then determined based on all the samples taken.

[0059] The process is illustrated by the diagram in [Fig.2A] and [Fig.2B], from a photovoltaic module having the multilayer structure shown in [Fig.1A].

[0060] A first step El of the process consists of taking a sample (ECH_1 or ECH_2 depending on the cutting option chosen) from the photovoltaic module. This sampling involves cutting a first photovoltaic module by bringing the photovoltaic module M_1 to a cutting station PI of the system. This photovoltaic module M_1 is, for example, the first module in a series of photovoltaic modules all having an identical or nearly identical architecture.

[0061] The cutting is advantageously carried out using a 4-edged cutting tool.

[0062] The cutting is carried out in such a way as to obtain a sample ECH_1 comprising the back layer only or an ECH_2 sample comprising the back layer 1 and intermediate layer 2 of the photovoltaic module.

[0063] The cut can be made in a direction normal to the rear face of the photovoltaic module.

[0064] Advantageously, the cutting tool 4 is, however, inclined with respect to the normal to the rear face of the photovoltaic module M_l.

[0065] The cutting angle is for example between 1° and 10°, preferably between 2° and 5°.

[0066] The angle of inclination of the cutting tool 4 (different from normal) allows for greater precision in measuring the different thicknesses of the layers composing the photovoltaic module. Indeed, with an angle of, for example, 3°, a layer thickness of only 30 µm based on fluorinated polymer can then be seen and measured on the surface of the sample taken, over a length of 573 µm.

[0067] As shown in [Fig.2A], it can be seen that the sample obtained allows the different strata / layers of the photovoltaic module to be distinguished.

[0068] Once the cutting has been carried out, a second step E2 of the process of the invention consists of analyzing the sample (ECH_1 or ECH_2) to determine the composition of each stratum / layer of the photovoltaic module M_l.

[0069] The analysis can be carried out on an analysis station P2 of the system, for example using a first Fourier transform infrared spectroscope (called FTIR). It would also be possible to use any other device to refine the analysis of the structure of the photovoltaic module.

[0070] The analysis makes it possible to determine: - The presence or absence of fluorinated compounds in each layer of the photovoltaic module; - The nature of the main non-fluorinated polymer used for the back layer (i.e. PET, Polyamide or other); - The material composing the encapsulation envelope (EVA or other); - The thickness of each layer of the photovoltaic module (for example by image analysis);

[0071] Once the analysis has been carried out, the processing unit of the system has data relating to the composition and dimensions of the layers / strata of the photovoltaic module M_l.

[0072] In a third step E3, the processing unit determines the machining parameters P_U taking into account the data collected during the analysis. These machining parameters are stored in storage means associated with the processing unit.

[0073] The machining parameters P_U are determined to take into account: - The presence of fluorinated compound in the back layer 1; in the presence of a layer 10 based on fluorinated compound, this layer must be removed independently to be separated from the rest of the back layer 1; - The type of non-fluorinated polymer used in back layer 1 to adapt the choice of machining tool to machine each stratum / layer; - The type of material used to make the encapsulation envelope 21 of the intermediate layer in order to adapt the choice of machining tool to machine the intermediate layer 2; - The thickness of each stratum / layer in order to adjust, in particular, the machining depth of the selected machining tool;

[0074] Steps E1 to E3 can be implemented on a first photovoltaic module M_1 of a series of several identical photovoltaic modules. It is also possible to repeat these steps one or more times, on the same photovoltaic module or on one or more other photovoltaic modules in the series. It is then possible to determine the optimal machining parameters adapted to the different photovoltaic modules in the series.

[0075] In other words, the determination of machining parameters is advantageously carried out a limited number of times, and the determined machining parameters P_U are directly reused for each new photovoltaic module M_2 in the series, since the photovoltaic modules to be processed are all assumed to have an identical architecture. Creating several samples is particularly beneficial because photovoltaic modules, even within the same series, can exhibit structural differences.

[0076] In particular, it is possible to carry out statistical sampling in order to select several modules from a series, intended to be cut out in order to create several samples to be analyzed.

[0077] Once the machining parameters P_U have been determined, in a fourth step E4, the processing unit is configured to control each machining tool 5_1, 5_2. As indicated above, depending on the type of material used for each layer, and the thickness of each layer, the machining tool may vary. Several machining stations P3, P4 will thus be advantageously used to remove each layer from a photovoltaic module M_2. Each machining station P3, P4 is controlled according to the parameters determined for the removal of the layer for which it is dedicated.

[0078] The machining parameters P_U are applied for each photovoltaic module M_2 of the series presented in front of each machining station.

[0079] Advantageously, the machining tool 5_1, 5_2 used on one or more machining stations can be a sanding tool. The sanding tool is controlled by so that its sanding belt can cut into the layer to the determined thickness. The photovoltaic module and / or the sanding tool can be moved to cover the entire surface of the layer to be removed.

[0080] Depending on the layer to be removed, the machining tool used may be a milling tool (not shown). This would be the case, for example, for locally machining the encapsulation casing of the intermediate layer to remove the encapsulation material layer, avoiding areas where the cells and interconnecting ribbons are located.

[0081] In a fifth step E5, the material composing each machined stratum / layer is recovered in a separate bin 6_1, 6_2 in order to be recovered later.

[0082] The method can advantageously incorporate one or more verification steps E6, E7 of the removal of each layer after machining, using one or more analysis stations P5, P6. In other words, when the back layer 1 or one of the layers of the back layer is removed, the method consists of scanning the surface of the photovoltaic module M_2 to verify that the layer has, as expected, been removed. This verification can be implemented by placing a second Fourier transform infrared spectrograph at the output, after the machining station in question.

[0083] Advantageously, another verification step (not shown) can be implemented during each machining operation to ensure the removal of the stratum / layer in question, and that the machining parameters P_U determined are valid and suitable for the removal of the stratum / layer in question. This can also be the case after removal by machining of the intermediate layer 2.

[0084] Once the back layer 1 has been removed, it is possible to determine, for example by optical analysis during a step E8, the structure of the intermediate layer 2, in particular the positioning of the cells 20 and the connecting elements 22. For this, an optical analysis station P7 can be arranged on the path of the module M_2, downstream of the machining station(s) of the back layer.

[0085] By way of non-limitation, for the implementation of the process of the invention, the photovoltaic module can be positioned on a conveyor responsible for moving it forward and bringing it opposite each machining station during step E4.

[0086] By way of example, it should be noted that during the implementation of the first step El, the photovoltaic module M_1 to be cut is positioned opposite the cutting station PI, and the cut sample is sent opposite the analysis station P2 for determination of data relating to the composition and dimensions of the layers / strata of the photovoltaic module. The processing unit then determines the machining parameters P_U applicable to each other photovoltaic module in the series having an identical architecture. As indicated above, Several samples can be taken successively, before the final machining parameters are determined.

[0087] Machining each stratum / layer allows the materials to be recovered in the form of powder or chips (step E5), the powder or chips being as pure as possible (ideally a powder containing a single material - Fluorinated polymer / non-fluorinated polymer / EVA...) as long as the machining parameters are valid and allow the strata / layers to be clearly differentiated from each other.

[0088] Advantageously, the system could incorporate an X-ray analysis station (not shown), controlled to determine the presence or absence of antimony in the front layer 3 of the photovoltaic module. Antimony is a compound frequently used in the manufacture of ultra-transparent glass. Its presence in the glass of a photovoltaic module poses recyclability problems. This additional analysis equipment could be arranged downstream of the machining stations for the back and intermediate layers, in order to scan the front layer of the photovoltaic module.

[0089] Advantageously, it is possible to provide for a special treatment of the intermediate layer 2, allowing the interconnecting ribbons used to connect the cell chains together to be removed beforehand.

[0090] The invention thus offers numerous advantages, including: - An adaptable solution that takes into account the different architectures of photovoltaic modules; - A solution that allows the fluorinated compounds to be isolated from the rest of the other compounds; - A solution that can be easily industrialized, notably using the principle of machining to remove the layers of the photovoltaic module;

Claims

1.

2. Demands Method for dismantling a series of photovoltaic modules (M_1, M_2), each photovoltaic module in the series comprising several superimposed layers composed of: - A first layer, called the back layer (1), forming a first protective element on the rear face of the photovoltaic module (M_l), this back layer being made from at least one polymer material, - A second layer, called the intermediate layer (2), interposed between the back layer (1) and a third layer, called the front layer (3), and comprising an encapsulation envelope (21) in which photovoltaic cells (20) are placed, - The front layer (3), forming a second protective element on the front face of the photovoltaic module (M_l), - Each layer may consist of one or more strata, - Characterized in that the process comprises: - A cutting step (El) of a sample (ECH_1) of a first photovoltaic module (M_l) of the series, said sample comprising at least said back layer of the photovoltaic module, - An analysis step (E2) of said cut sample in order to determine the thickness and composition of each layer of said back layer, - A determination step (E3) of machining parameters (P_U) to be applied to remove each layer of the back layer (1) of each photovoltaic module in the series of photovoltaic modules taking into account the analysis carried out on the sample. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the back layer (1) comprises a first layer (10), located at the rear of the first photovoltaic module (M_l) and made from a fluorinated polymer, the method consists of fixing the machining parameters to remove by machining this first layer (10) only.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that when the back layer (1) of the first photovoltaic module (M_l) has a second layer (11) located between said first layer (10) and the intermediate layer, said second layer (11) being made from a non-fluorinated polymer, the method consists of setting the machining parameters to remove only this second layer (11) by machining, after the removal by machining of said first layer (10).

4. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the back layer comprises a first layer (11), located at the rear of the first photovoltaic module (M_l) and made from a non-fluorinated polymer, the method consists of fixing the machining parameters to remove this first layer (11) solely by machining.

5. A method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a machining step (E4) of each stratum of the back layer of each photovoltaic module (M_2) of the series of photovoltaic modules according to the machining parameters (P_U) determined.

6. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that the machining step (E4) of each layer is carried out by sanding.

7. Method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that it comprises a verification step (E6) of the removal of said first layer (10) of the back layer.

8. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the cutting step consists of taking a sample (ECH_2) from the first photovoltaic module (M_l) containing the back layer (1) and the intermediate layer (2) of the first photovoltaic module (M_l).

9. A method according to claim 8, characterized in that: - The analysis step (E2) of said cut sample is carried out in order to also determine the thickness and composition of each layer of said intermediate layer (2), - The machining parameters (P_U) are also determined to remove each layer of the intermediate layer (2) from each photovoltaic module (M_2) of the series of

10.

11.

12.

13.

14. photovoltaic modules taking into account the analysis carried out on the sample. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises a machining step of the intermediate layer of each photovoltaic module (M_2) of the photovoltaic modules series taking into account the determined machining parameters. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that it comprises a step of verifying the shrinkage of the intermediate layer. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the analysis step (E2) is carried out by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the cutting step (El) is carried out using a cutting tool (4) controlled to cut the first photovoltaic module (M_l) at a determined angle, inclined with respect to the normal to the plane formed by the rear face of the first photovoltaic module. Dismantling system for a series of photovoltaic modules (M_1, M_2), each photovoltaic module in the series comprising several superimposed layers composed of: - A first layer, called the back layer (1), forming a first protective element on the rear face of the photovoltaic module (M_l), this back layer being made from at least one polymer material, - A second layer, called the intermediate layer (2), interposed between the back layer (1) and a third layer, called the front layer (3), and comprising an encapsulation envelope (21) in which photovoltaic cells (20) are placed, - The front layer (3), forming a second protective element on the front face of the photovoltaic module (M_l), - Each layer may consist of one or more strata, Characterized by the fact that the system comprises: A cutting station (PI) for a sample (ECH_1) of a first photovoltaic module (M_l) of the series, said sample comprising at least said back layer of the photovoltaic module, - An analysis station (P2) of said cut sample in order to determine the thickness and composition of each layer of said back layer, - Means of determining machining parameters (P_U) to be applied to remove each layer of the back layer (1) of each photovoltaic module in the series of photovoltaic modules taking into account the analysis carried out on the sample by the analysis station (P2).

15. System according to claim 14, characterized in that, when the back layer (1) comprises a first layer (10), located at the rear of the first photovoltaic module (M_l) and made from a fluorinated polymer, the determination means are configured to fix the machining parameters to remove by machining this first layer (10) only.

16. System according to claim 15, characterized in that when the back layer (1) of the first photovoltaic module (M_l) has a second layer (11) located between said first layer (10) and the intermediate layer, said second layer (11) being made from a non-fluorinated polymer, the determination means are configured to fix the machining parameters to remove only this second layer (11) by machining, after the removal by machining of said first layer (10).

17. System according to claim 14, characterized in that, when the back layer comprises a first layer (11), located at the rear of the first photovoltaic module (M_l) and made from a non-fluorinated polymer, the determination means are configured to fix the machining parameters to remove this first layer (11) solely by machining.

18. System according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that it comprises a separate machining station (P3, P4) for machining each stratum of the back layer of each photovoltaic module (M_2) of the series of photovoltaic modules according to the machining parameters (P_U) determined for the first photovoltaic module (M1).

19. System according to claim 18, characterized in that each machining station (P3, P4) comprises a sanding tool.

20. System according to any one of claims 14 to 19, characterized in that the cutting station is controlled to take a sample (ECH_2) of the first photovoltaic module (M_l) containing the back layer (1) and the intermediate layer (2) of the first photovoltaic module (M_l).

21. System according to claim 20, characterized in that: - The analysis station (P2) of said cut sample is configured to also determine the thickness and composition of each layer of said intermediate layer (2), - The machining parameters (P_U) are also determined to remove each layer of the intermediate layer (2) of each photovoltaic module (M_2) of the series of photovoltaic modules taking into account the analysis carried out on the sample by the analysis station (P2).

22. System according to claim 21, characterized in that it comprises a machining station for the intermediate layer of each photovoltaic module (M_2) of the photovoltaic modules series, taking into account the determined machining parameters.

23. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 22, characterized in that the analysis station (P2) comprises a Fourier transform infrared spectroscope.

24. System according to any one of claims 14 to 23, characterized in that the cutting tool (4) is controlled to cut the first photovoltaic module (M_l) at a determined angle inclined with respect to the normal to the plane formed by the rear face of the first photovoltaic module.

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