Solar Panel Recycling
Table of Contents
Introduction
One of the biggest issues we heard of for years facing solar panel uptake and use was the problem that "no one recycles solar panels, so they just end up in landfills." From how people talked about the issue, we took that literally, but more recently we read that approximately 90% of solar panels end up in landfills due to lack of infrastructure.
Curious about where the other 10% of solar panels were going to be recycled, we decided to hunt down PV recyclers and were pleasantly shocked at how many we could find all around the world.
Please feel free to check again in the future for updates, or let us know of any facilities we have missed!
Why Recycling PV Panels is Vital
PV panels are full of important industrial components that need to be mined and processed at the expense of the planet, and the people who work in the industry. Some of whom include slaves and children.
By recycling we reduce the environmental and human cost, closing the loop so that the same materials can be used over and over.
As you can see from the graph bellow, there are a number of valuable materials to be retrieved, which also happen to have a heavy footprint when extracted as virgin matierals.
Solar panels have a life-expectancy of around 25-30 years. As you can see in the graph, as more solar panels are adopted now, the mass of retired panels increases, creating a greater demand for recyclers.
Find A Recycler
Solar panels have a life expectancy of around 25-30 years. After that, as many as 90% are ending up in landfills, but some companies are starting to provide solutions.
International
PV Cycle "A non-profit, member-based organization, PV CYCLE offers collective and tailor-made waste management and legal compliance services for companies and waste holders around the world.
Founded in 2007 by and for the PV industry, PV CYCLE today includes a broad range of waste products in its portfolio." "We operate all over the world from our different offices (Belgium, Italy, Germany, UK, France, USA)"Shanghai FeiHang International Trade Co., Ltd. in china "recycle solar panels from all countries"
Solar Recycling Companies "Companies providing recycling service for solar PV manufacturers."
We Recycle Solar "We provide complete solar panel recycling services, including PV panels, energy storage systems, inverters, & related waste, as well as disposal and recycling according to all mandated regulations, maximizing the residual value of your end-of-life PV modules and equipment."
Their website shows locations in Asia (Japan and South Korea), Europe (in Belgium and Ireland), and the USA (including Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington state).
Asia
We Recycle Solar "We provide complete solar panel recycling services, including PV panels, energy storage systems, inverters, & related waste, as well as disposal and recycling according to all mandated regulations, maximizing the residual value of your end-of-life PV modules and equipment."
Their website shows locations in several countries including Japan and South Korea.
China
Jiangsu Juxin Energy Silicon Technology Co., Ltd. / 江苏聚鑫能源硅业科技有限公司 "高效电池片回收/低效电池片回收、印刷不良电池片回收、不可利用太阳能电池片回收、单晶太阳能电池片回收、多晶太阳能电池片回收、隐裂划痕太阳能电池片回收、两线电池片回收/三线电池片回收、单晶电池片碎片回收、多晶电池片碎片回收、太阳能电池片碎片回收、太阳能碎片回收、完整太阳能电池片回收/缺角太阳能电池片回收、单晶太阳能电池碎片回收、多晶太阳能电池碎片回收、太阳能电池碎片回收、太阳能银浆回收、银浆布回收、银浆罐回收、银擦布回收、进口国产太阳能导电银浆回收、擦银布回收、单晶硅电池片回收、多晶硅电池片回收、太阳能电池板回收、光伏组件回收、光伏焊带回收、原生多晶 详细介绍 "
Shanghai FeiHang International Trade Co., Ltd. "recycle solar panels from all countries"
Suzhou Minlai Photovoltaic New Energy Co., Ltd. "太阳能电池组件回收"
Hong Kong
Integrated Business Applications Limited "We assist companies in recycling silicon materials for which they have no further use." "Additional services we offer include: detailed sorting and inspections using state of the art equipment, labeling, repackaging, quartz removal, and silicon recycling."
India
Jumbo Solar "India’s Largest Solar Cell Recycling Plant, Our Goal Then & Now Is To Recycle Solar Cells."
Poseidon Solar Services Pvt. Ltd. " is an exclusive silicon wafer and solar cell recycling facility focussed on the solar PV industry with a skilled and dedicated operations team working in specially built environments, combining state-of-art physical and chemical cleaning methods. The company recovers all types of silicon and cell raw material bringing disposed and dead material back to the value chain in a professional recycling way."
Israel
Silcontel "purchase and recycles a wide range of productions scrap from both the solar and semiconductor industry with focus on solar cells, wafers and ingot producers, semiconductor IC producers, semiconductor wafers and ingots producers, polysilicon producers and equipment manufacturers.
Worldwide presence allow us to make inspections if needed and organize the necessary logistics to purchase and ship quickly the production scrap to our facilities."
Japan
Okaishi Construction Co., Ltd "ヒラキン（平林金属株式会社）様と提携したリサイクル事業を展開しております。 "
We Recycle Solar "We provide complete solar panel recycling services, including PV panels, energy storage systems, inverters, & related waste, as well as disposal and recycling according to all mandated regulations, maximizing the residual value of your end-of-life PV modules and equipment."
Singapore
EtaVolt Pte. Ltd. "is a technology spin-off company from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore. We work with different major stakeholders in the solar photovoltaic (PV) industry value chain for recycling and treatment of PV panels and with the most advanced business model for solar panels, not just only for recycling."
South Korea
We Recycle Solar "We provide complete solar panel recycling services, including PV panels, energy storage systems, inverters, & related waste, as well as disposal and recycling according to all mandated regulations, maximizing the residual value of your end-of-life PV modules and equipment."
Europe
Aerisoul "We collect the end-of-life solar panels from your photovoltaic park." Based in Slovakia, this company takes PV panels from all over Europe.
PV Cycle "A non-profit, member-based organization, PV CYCLE offers collective and tailor-made waste management and legal compliance services for companies and waste holders around the world.
Founded in 2007 by and for the PV industry, PV CYCLE today includes a broad range of waste products in its portfolio." "We operate all over the world from our different offices (Belgium, Italy, Germany, UK, France, USA)"We Recycle Solar "We provide complete solar panel recycling services, including PV panels, energy storage systems, inverters, & related waste, as well as disposal and recycling according to all mandated regulations, maximizing the residual value of your end-of-life PV modules and equipment."
Their website shows locations in several countries including in Belgium and Ireland.
Austria
Aerisoul "We collect the end-of-life solar panels from your photovoltaic park." Based in Slovakia, this company takes PV panels from all over Europe.
Belgium
PV Cycle "A non-profit, member-based organization, PV CYCLE offers collective and tailor-made waste management and legal compliance services for companies and waste holders around the world.
Founded in 2007 by and for the PV industry, PV CYCLE today includes a broad range of waste products in its portfolio." "We operate all over the world from our different offices (Belgium, Italy, Germany, UK, France, USA)"We Recycle Solar "We provide complete solar panel recycling services, including PV panels, energy storage systems, inverters, & related waste, as well as disposal and recycling according to all mandated regulations, maximizing the residual value of your end-of-life PV modules and equipment."
Their website shows locations in several countries including in Belgium and Ireland.
Czechia/Česko
Aerisoul "We collect the end-of-life solar panels from your photovoltaic park." Based in Slovakia, this company takes PV panels from all over Europe.
France
Aerisoul "We collect the end-of-life solar panels from your photovoltaic park." Based in Slovakia, this company takes PV panels from all over Europe.
PV Cycle "A non-profit, member-based organization, PV CYCLE offers collective and tailor-made waste management and legal compliance services for companies and waste holders around the world.
Founded in 2007 by and for the PV industry, PV CYCLE today includes a broad range of waste products in its portfolio." "We operate all over the world from our different offices (Belgium, Italy, Germany, UK, France, USA)"ROSI "is a company offering innovative solutions for recycling and revalorization of raw materials in the photovoltaic industry. Its technologies allow to recover high purity silicon and other metals currently lost during the production of photovoltaic cells and at the end-of-life of solar panels."
Germany/Deutschland
Aerisoul "We collect the end-of-life solar panels from your photovoltaic park." Based in Slovakia, this company takes PV panels from all over Europe.
Envaris GmbH "ist Ihr Partner bei allen Fragen rund um Photovoltaik. Wir sorgen dafür, dass jede einzelne Solaranlage ihren Beitrag zur Energiewende leisten kann. Als kompetenter und erfahrener Dienstleister im Bereich Solar Service bieten wir zuverlässige Leistungen vom PV-Anlagenchecks, über Gutachten bis hin zu Wartung, Reparatur und Recycling von Solaranlagen."
PV Cycle "A non-profit, member-based organization, PV CYCLE offers collective and tailor-made waste management and legal compliance services for companies and waste holders around the world.
Founded in 2007 by and for the PV industry, PV CYCLE today includes a broad range of waste products in its portfolio." "We operate all over the world from our different offices (Belgium, Italy, Germany, UK, France, USA)"Reiling GmbH & Co. KG "Unsere bequeme Rundum-Verwertungslösung für ausgediente Photovoltaik-Module ist für Photovoltaikmodulhersteller, Solarparkbetreiber, EPCs, Installateure, Gewerbe, Händler und Sammelsysteme gleichermaßen interessant."
Rieger & Kraft Solar GmbH "Seit kurzem bieten wir daher das Recycling von Solarmodulen an."
Rinovasol Global O and M GmbH Repair, refurbishment, and recycling.
Hungary
Aerisoul "We collect the end-of-life solar panels from your photovoltaic park." Based in Slovakia, this company takes PV panels from all over Europe.
Ireland
Recycle Solar "Recycling Solar Panels In The UK & Ireland"
We Recycle Solar "We provide complete solar panel recycling services, including PV panels, energy storage systems, inverters, & related waste, as well as disposal and recycling according to all mandated regulations, maximizing the residual value of your end-of-life PV modules and equipment."
Their website shows locations in several countries including in Belgium and Ireland.
Italy
Aerisoul "We collect the end-of-life solar panels from your photovoltaic park." Based in Slovakia, this company takes PV panels from all over Europe.
PV Cycle "A non-profit, member-based organization, PV CYCLE offers collective and tailor-made waste management and legal compliance services for companies and waste holders around the world.
Founded in 2007 by and for the PV industry, PV CYCLE today includes a broad range of waste products in its portfolio." "We operate all over the world from our different offices (Belgium, Italy, Germany, UK, France, USA)"Yousolar "effettua il trattamento e recupero delle materie prime che ci permette di non buttare niente in discarica. Ora materiali, quali alluminio, silicio, vetro, plastica sono diventati una risorsa e non più un rifiuto. L’ambiente con la circolarità di tali prodotti è più tutelato e il fotovoltaico si può finalmente definire una tecnologia ecosostenibile."
Netherlands
Aerisoul "We collect the end-of-life solar panels from your photovoltaic park." Based in Slovakia, this company takes PV panels from all over Europe.
Poland
Aerisoul "We collect the end-of-life solar panels from your photovoltaic park." Based in Slovakia, this company takes PV panels from all over Europe.
Jamko "We accept faulty solar modules as well as broken ones for recycling."
Romania
Aerisoul "We collect the end-of-life solar panels from your photovoltaic park." Based in Slovakia, this company takes PV panels from all over Europe.
Slovakia
Aerisoul "We collect the end-of-life solar panels from your photovoltaic park." Based in Slovakia, this company takes PV panels from all over Europe.
Slovenia
Aerisoul "We collect the end-of-life solar panels from your photovoltaic park." Based in Slovakia, this company takes PV panels from all over Europe.
Spain
Solucciona Energía "es pionera en España en ofrecer servicios de reciclaje de módulos fotovoltaicos a través de la tecnología Solrecycle, desarrollada por la empresa. Ofrecemos este servicio para asociaciones, fabricantes, promotoras e instaladoras."
Switzerland
Immark AG offers recycling and apprenticeships.
KWB Planreal AG "ist lizenzierter Recycler der Stiftung SENS für Photovoltaik-Altmodule - vom Flachglasanteil von rund 80 Prozent mit nachfolgender Verwertung in einer Glashütte bis zu den restlichen Wertstoffen, welche ebenso dem stofflichen Kreislauf zugeführt werden." They are very close to the Lichtenstein border.
UK
Aerisoul "We collect the end-of-life solar panels from your photovoltaic park." Based in Slovakia, this company takes PV panels from all over Europe.
PV Cycle "A non-profit, member-based organization, PV CYCLE offers collective and tailor-made waste management and legal compliance services for companies and waste holders around the world.
Founded in 2007 by and for the PV industry, PV CYCLE today includes a broad range of waste products in its portfolio." "We operate all over the world from our different offices (Belgium, Italy, Germany, UK, France, USA)"Recycle Solar "Recycling Solar Panels In The UK & Ireland"
Northern Ireland
Scotland
ILM Highland "is an independent charity and social enterprise, providing home improvement, electrical recycling and retail services to the Highlands of Scotland."
North America
Canada
SUNSET Renewable Asset Management Inc. "is a sustainable solutions company with a focus on circular economy for the renewable energy industry. We offer innovative processes and advanced technologies to manage early loss & end-of-life waste materials for wind, solar, and energy storage liabilities throughout Canada and internationally."
USA
PV Cycle "A non-profit, member-based organization, PV CYCLE offers collective and tailor-made waste management and legal compliance services for companies and waste holders around the world.
Founded in 2007 by and for the PV industry, PV CYCLE today includes a broad range of waste products in its portfolio." "We operate all over the world from our different offices (Belgium, Italy, Germany, UK, France, USA)"SEIA National PV Recycling Program in Washington D.C. "SEIA is actively seeking new PV end-of-life management partners across the United States. "
SolarCycle "offers solar asset owners a low-cost and eco-friendly advanced technology platform for retiring solar panels and repurposing them for new uses." Stationed in Arizona, California, Texas.
We Recycle Solar "We provide complete solar panel recycling services, including PV panels, energy storage systems, inverters, & related waste, as well as disposal and recycling according to all mandated regulations, maximizing the residual value of your end-of-life PV modules and equipment."
Their website shows locations in several countries, and the USA (including Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, Texas, and Washington state).
Arizona
Fabtech Solar Solutions "take damaged, used solar panels and give them a second life. If damaged panels don't need to be recycled, they can help people participate in the benefits of solar at a much lower cost. We want to make solar affordable to everyone! We pay for used panels."
SolarCycle "offers solar asset owners a low-cost and eco-friendly advanced technology platform for retiring solar panels and repurposing them for new uses." Stationed in Arizona, California, Texas.
We Recycle Solar "We provide complete solar panel recycling services, including PV panels, energy storage systems, inverters, & related waste, as well as disposal and recycling according to all mandated regulations, maximizing the residual value of your end-of-life PV modules and equipment."
California
Recycle1234 "We are an E-Waste Recycling Center in the heart of the Bay Area with a purpose - keeping electronics out of our landfills while inspiring others to improve their lives."
Silicon Specialists LLC "offers full and partial reclaim service. Free Pick-up and delivery to our local customers."
SolarCycle "offers solar asset owners a low-cost and eco-friendly advanced technology platform for retiring solar panels and repurposing them for new uses." Stationed in Arizona, California, Texas.
Florida
We Recycle Solar "We provide complete solar panel recycling services, including PV panels, energy storage systems, inverters, & related waste, as well as disposal and recycling according to all mandated regulations, maximizing the residual value of your end-of-life PV modules and equipment."
Georgia
Fabtech Solar Solutions "take damaged, used solar panels and give them a second life. If damaged panels don't need to be recycled, they can help people participate in the benefits of solar at a much lower cost. We want to make solar affordable to everyone! We pay for used panels."
Illinois
Interco -- A Metaltronics Recycler "recycles PV cells using processes to recover as much material from the solar panels as possible. Different methods are used to recycle pv cells according to their type "
We Recycle Solar "We provide complete solar panel recycling services, including PV panels, energy storage systems, inverters, & related waste, as well as disposal and recycling according to all mandated regulations, maximizing the residual value of your end-of-life PV modules and equipment."
Kentucky
Silrec Corporation "is a multi-faceted organization, offering a wide range of products and services to the semiconductor and solar industries. The company has a long standing commitment for protecting the environment by recycling scrap silicon obtained from both industries."
We Recycle Solar "We provide complete solar panel recycling services, including PV panels, energy storage systems, inverters, & related waste, as well as disposal and recycling according to all mandated regulations, maximizing the residual value of your end-of-life PV modules and equipment."
Missouri
North Carolina
We Recycle Solar "We provide complete solar panel recycling services, including PV panels, energy storage systems, inverters, & related waste, as well as disposal and recycling according to all mandated regulations, maximizing the residual value of your end-of-life PV modules and equipment."
Ohio
Puerto Rico
We Recycle Solar "We provide complete solar panel recycling services, including PV panels, energy storage systems, inverters, & related waste, as well as disposal and recycling according to all mandated regulations, maximizing the residual value of your end-of-life PV modules and equipment."
Texas
SolarCycle "offers solar asset owners a low-cost and eco-friendly advanced technology platform for retiring solar panels and repurposing them for new uses." Stationed in Arizona, California, Texas.
We Recycle Solar "We provide complete solar panel recycling services, including PV panels, energy storage systems, inverters, & related waste, as well as disposal and recycling according to all mandated regulations, maximizing the residual value of your end-of-life PV modules and equipment."
Washington
We Recycle Solar "We provide complete solar panel recycling services, including PV panels, energy storage systems, inverters, & related waste, as well as disposal and recycling according to all mandated regulations, maximizing the residual value of your end-of-life PV modules and equipment."
Wisconsin
Oceana
Australia
New South Wales
PV Industries "Solar Panel waste managment and recycling."
Victoria
Elecsome Pty. Ltd. "Solar panel recycling company leading the way via UpCycling of the recovered materials and re-purposing of the left over & old panels to make it usable again."
Infoactiv Group PTY LTD
Ojas Infrastructure Pty. Ltd. "In association with our research partners, University of Melbourne and Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, we are working towards future sustainability by creating a circular economy for decommissioned solar panels. "
West Australia
Cyber Computer Recycling & Disposal Pty. Ltd. "Remove, Recycle & Replace aging Photovoltaic Sheets through our specialist commercial solar wing."
South America
Brazil
SunR - Reciclagem Fotovoltaica "Pioneira no Brasil, a SunR – Reciclagem Fotovoltaica nasceu com a missão de promover a logística reversa do setor fotovoltaico brasileiro."
Resources
Solar Panel Recycling "Find out how solar panels are recycled and where to take your end-of-life solar panels for recycling."