If solar power systems are to genuinely be sustainable and environmentally ethical, the waste reduction associated with solar components must be addressed. End-of-life solar panel recycling can save an abundance of natural resources and reduce production costs. 

Solar panel recycling can be beneficial both environmentally and economically because the energy and cost needed to recover the silicon material from recycled solar panels is only about one-third of what it would be for manufacturing silicon directly. Solar panel recycling can help finance future solar industries because 96% of the materials can be reused to produce new solar panels. It is estimated that recycled material could save USD 450 million by 2030 and USD 15 billion by 2050. Research also shows that around 60 million new solar panels can be produced from recycling by 2030 and around 2 billion by 2050. In addition, recycling plants can create more employment opportunities for job seekers. 

Presently, Europe, Japan, and the United States are the main countries behind solar panel recycling research. The crystalline silicon and other rare metals in PV panels can be recycled for new equipment production using different emerging technologies. Most solar panel recycling research has focused on recycling rare metal elements and silicon extraction. Currently, there are four methods for solar panel waste processing: 

1. Component repair 
2. Module separation 
3. Recycling of silicon  
4. Recycling of rare metal elements 

Table Source 

In 2012, the European Union included PV components under the ten categories of the waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) directive. Thus, solar PV elements must be collected and recycled. The waste management regulations require that all solar panels must be dealt with and manufacturers of PV panels who supply to the European market must pay a recycling fee. The US does fall behind Europe in its waste management policies, however, the state of California (one of the largest solar markets) in the past has proposed supervision and control of the processing of solar equipment.  

The research revolved around solar panels needs to be more focused on managing waste. There is evidence of economic, social, and environmental benefits with recycling solar panels. More effective policy planning and research must take place to reap the environmental benefits of solar systems.  

With over 20 years of experience in the solar energy industry, Intelligent Green Solutions is committed to helping you go solar. Contact us if you have any questions!