Solar Panel Recycling: 3 Environment-Saving Methods

When reusing the panels, a solar power system can still contribute to the environment. Old solar panels contain valuable materials that can repurposed for other applications.

This article details how solar panel recycling can save the environment and where you can send your old or damaged panels for recycling.

Can Solar Panels be Recycled？

To answer the question, “Are solar panels recyclable?” They can be refurbished or have their components stripped. This means, yes, solar panels can be recycled. The majority of solar panels are made up of materials like glass, aluminum, and silicon, which can be separated and reused. The recycling process involves dismantling the panels, recovering the valuable components, and processing them for reuse in manufacturing new products.

What Parts of Solar Panels Can Be Recycled?  

Several key materials in solar panels can be recycled, including silicon, glass, aluminum, copper, and certain rare metals. Among these, aluminum—used in the panel's frame—is the easiest to recover. Metals like copper, used in wiring, are also efficiently extracted during recycling.

The glass components require a more careful separation process to ensure that materials are properly recovered. Both aluminum and glass can be repurposed for use in other products that require these materials.

Silicon, which forms the photovoltaic cells responsible for converting sunlight into energy, can also be recycled. If the silicon meets the necessary purity standards, it may be reused in the production of new or refurbished solar panels. This process helps reduce waste and promotes sustainability by giving these materials a second life in new applications.

Methods for Recycling Solar Panels  

If you happen upon old or unused solar panels, there are three different methods for repurposing them. The first method depends on their current state, while the two recycling processes aim to extract any useful materials. Let's go through the different ways to recycle solar panels.

Refurbishing

In some cases, solar panels are still fully functional and can continue to generate electricity. Instead of discarding them, these panels can be refurbished and reused, extending their lifespan. Refurbished panels are often repurposed for lower-demand applications or sold at a reduced price, making them a cost-effective option for people seeking sustainable energy solutions.

For those looking to upgrade to a more efficient solar energy solution, the Anker SOLIX PS100 Portable Solar Panel is a great option. With 23% energy efficiency and a lightweight design, it provides a more advanced alternative to older models. Additionally, the Anker SOLIX PS30 Portable Solar Panel serves as another excellent option for those looking for a more compact, high-performance solution for smaller energy needs, combining durability with impressive portability.

Mechanical Separation

Solar panels are most often broken down using mechanical recycling. The process starts with disassembling the panels to separate the bigger parts, including glass and aluminum frames. Conventional techniques allow one to recycle these components quite easily.

The leftover components, including the solar cells and wiring, are shredded following disassembly. Grounding the raw components into smaller pieces allows for better material separation methods, such as using magnets to extract copper, silver, and tin.  

Chemical Breakdown

Chemical recycling further extracts other valuable materials within the solar panel, particularly silicon and rare earth metals. This method molecularly breaks down solar cells using chemical solvents.

After dissolving the binding materials, panels are heated to high temperatures that separate the metals. These compounds enable the exact extraction of rare metals, semiconductors, and other valuable compounds that are hard to extract through mechanical separation. It is important to note that recycled silicon materials will be less efficient in capturing sunlight energy.

Challenges in Solar Panel Recycling  

While we have answered the question, “Can solar panels be recycled?” We have yet to cover the shortcomings of removing anything of value from the panels. Below are the common challenges of recycling solar panels:

Financial Returns

Recycling solar panels comes with the assumption that their recovered materials still have monetary value. Unfortunately, the mechanical separation and chemical breakdown might cost much more than a company can get from any panel.

No Standard Design

With solar panels improving over the years, there have been many redesigns to improve its efficiency. While this is great for new solar home-powered homes, it is challenging for recyclers. Each panel model may have a different construction, requiring different disassembly techniques and material recovery processes. This lack of standardization complicates recycling efforts and increases costs, as each type of panel may demand unique handling procedures.

Hazardous Materials

Some older solar panels contain small amounts of hazardous materials, such as cadmium or lead, which complicate the recycling process. These toxic substances must be handled carefully to avoid environmental contamination, adding extra steps and costs to the recycling process. Specialized facilities are required to manage these hazardous components safely, which further increases the complexity of recycling solar panels.

Where to Recycle Solar Panels

To recycle solar panels, you can search for recycling options through organizations such as the Department of Energy's Solar Energy Technologies Office, which offers resources like the U.S. Solar Photovoltaic Manufacturing Map, or directories like Earth911. Additionally, industry groups like the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) provide information on certified recyclers. It’s important to note that these sites are listed for informational purposes, and the U.S. EPA does not endorse any specific entities or their services. Always verify the recycler’s credentials and procedures directly before proceeding.

Conclusion  

Solar systems benefit both your budget and the environment, and recycling them adds even more value. Solar panel recycling reduces the amount of waste that would otherwise end up in landfills, freeing up space for essential community developments such as parks, hospitals, housing, and schools. By adopting eco-friendly practices like solar panel recycling, local governments can contribute to creating a more sustainable environment.

However, it’s important to note that not all facilities are equipped to handle solar panel recycling. Only specific facilities or companies have the necessary resources to properly recycle solar panels.

FAQs  

Can solar panels be completely recycled?

Old solar panels can still be refurbished or completely reused for newer systems. However, recycling panels for their parts does not mean you can completely recover and reuse the materials used in building them. About 90% of the metals and glass can be extracted. The solar panel's integral material, silicon, will be less efficient after undergoing chemical and heating treatment.

What are the costs associated with recycling solar panels? 

The recycling methods determine the cost of extracting the materials from solar panels. Traditional panels cost less since its glass, and any useful metals can be recovered through simple methods. However, thin-film panels require more advanced methods to recycle them and recover their silicon material, making recycling them more expensive than traditional ones.

What is the lifespan of a solar panel?

Traditional panels have a life expectancy of 25 - 30 years, during which time the silicon can gather solar energy. Solar panels degrade over time and become less efficient at converting sunlight into electricity.