Using probe-type ultrasonic irradiation, the dissolution of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) in photovoltaic (PV) modules was investigated in various organic solvents, including O-dichlorobenzene (O-DCB), trichloroethylene (TCE), benzene, and toluene. The experiments were carried out at different solvent concentrations, temperatures, ultrasonic powers, and irradiation times. In the presence of 450W of ultrasonic radiation, EVA in PV modules was completely dissolved in 3 M toluene at 70 degrees C; however, the PV cell was damaged due to the swelling of EVA. At an irradiation power of 900 W, the dissolution ratio was greater than that obtained at a power of 450W, and the effects of ultrasonic power were confirmed at 70 degrees C. In TCE and benzene, a decrease in the dissolution of EVA was observed as the temperature increased from 55 to 70 degrees C due to the occurrence of pyrolysis and pyrolytic reactions, which were attributed to the low boiling point and ultrasonic degradation of the solvent, respectively. Except when O-DCB was used, cracks were observed in the PV cell, and the complete dissolution of EVA was attained. Thus, O-DCB is the most effective solvent for recovering PV cells via ultrasonic irradiation. Crown Copyright (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.