Is Solar Panel Recycling Possible?

The world is embracing renewable energy more and more each year, raising concerns about what happens to solar panels at the end of their life. Solar panels, which have an average lifespan of 25 to 30 years, eventually reach a point where their efficiency decreases and it becomes necessary to replace them. This begs the question—can solar panels be recycled, or are they destined for the landfill?

The Rise of Solar Panel Installation

Solar energy is the most widely adopted renewable energy source, with dramatically increased installation rates in recent years. In 2022, the global solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity reached 1,177 gigawatts (GW), with around 239 GW of new capacity installed that year alone. This growth trend is expected to continue, driven by technological advancements and the decreasing cost of solar installations.

However, this rapid expansion comes with unique challenges. As more panels are installed, more will eventually need to be decommissioned. For instance, in 2017, an estimated 43,500 tons of PV waste was generated worldwide. Current estimates suggest that by 2050, around 60 million tons of PV waste could end up in landfills if recycling measures are not implemented. This presents environmental and health hazards due to the toxic substances contained in some solar panel components.

Solar Panel Recycling Options

Solar enthusiasts will be happy to learn that solar panels are recyclable. This viable option minimizes environmental impacts and conserves resources by reclaiming valuable materials that can be used to produce new solar panels. PV recycling also creates more renewable energy jobs, an economic benefit that supports local communities nationwide.

There are two primary types of solar panels, each requiring different recycling processes:

• Silicon-based solar panel recycling involves disassembling the panel to separate aluminum and glass components. About 95% of the glass and all external metal parts can be reused. Then, the silicon cells are processed at high temperatures to separate the silicon from other materials, allowing about 85% of the silicon to be recycled.
• Thin-film-based solar panel recycling requires a more rigorous process where the panels are shredded and processed to separate different materials. The semiconductor material from these panels can be recycled at a rate of about 95%, and about 90% of the glass elements can be remanufactured into new solar panels.

Okon Recycling Leads the Way in Solar Panel Recycling

If you have old solar panels you’re not sure what to do with, bring them to Okon Recycling. Our 20-acre fully permitted, compliant, and environmentally insured facility in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX, receives end-of-life solar panels from around the country. We go to great lengths to keep solar panels from becoming landfill waste, having developed an innovative recycling process that achieves over 99% recyclability for tens of thousands of panels every month. We encourage everyone from contractors and small businesses to large corporations and municipalities to join us in our recycling efforts and help pave the way for a cleaner future. For more information about our solar panel recycling company, please contact us at 214-426-6566.