Can solar panels be recycled?

Solar panels can last for up to 40 years and they play a key role in reducing our carbon footprint. However, as solar installations increase, so does the concern about their disposal. 

With global solar panel waste estimated to increase by over 4,000% in the next decade, efficient solar panel recycling is more vital than ever. 

This article will take a closer look at the current state of solar recycling in the UK.

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Are solar panels recyclable?

Solar panels are indeed recyclable. They typically have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years, but modern monocrystalline panels can last up to 40 years before needing recycling - which is good news, considering the high upfront cost of solar panels.

Most of a solar panel's components, including the aluminium frame, glass, silicon cells, and certain metals like silver and copper, can be recycled. The recycling process involves disassembling the panels to their basic elements, which reduces environmental waste.

With lots of old solar panels on their way out, a wave of new companies are stepping in to make the recycling process much easier for consumers and businesses.

How are solar panels recycled?

Recycling solar panels involves several key steps to ensure that valuable materials are recovered and reused:

1. The process begins with the removal of the aluminium frame, which is fully recyclable and relatively easy to detach.
2. Next, the glass layer, which makes up most of the solar panel, is carefully separated. The remaining encapsulated solar cells are then heated to around 500°C (in a process known as pyrolysis) to evaporate the plastic components, leaving behind the silicon wafers.
3. The silicon is then etched away using certain chemicals, allowing it to be purified and reused in the manufacture of new solar cells or other silicon-based products.
4. Finally, any remaining metals, such as silver and copper, are recovered through a combination of mechanical and chemical processes.

With this process, solar panel recycling can often reclaim up to 95% of the materials used.

Does solar panel recycling have any challenges?

Solar panel recycling faces several logistical challenges. Disassembling the panels is difficult, especially separating the laminated glass sheet, which contains small amounts of metals, plastics, and semiconductor materials.

While technologies like pyrolysis and mechanical shredding exist, they are expensive and energy-intensive - plus, the irregular waste stream of solar panels makes it hard to justify investment in specialised recycling facilities.

Finally, some components, like certain plastics and cheap glass, may not be economically viable to recycle and might end up in landfills anyway.

How can you recycle your solar panels in the UK?

In the UK, it's free and straightforward to recycle your solar panels.

Under the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations, manufacturers and importers need to be part of a producer compliance scheme (PCS), like PV CYCLE.

This also means your solar panel installer is legally required to take back your solar waste or pay for a government-approved Distributor Take-back Scheme (DTS) to collect and recycle it properly.

Contact your installer (or PV CYCLE, if your installer no longer exists) to arrange for your old panels to be removed and recycled at no cost. The installer will handle the disassembly and transportation of the panels to a Designated Collection Facility (DCF).

Where do they recycle solar panels in the UK?

As of 2024, specialist solar panel recycling plants in the UK are increasing in number.

There are a few companies, including Recycle Solar in Scunthorpe, Solar Recycling Solutions (SRS) in Dartford, and Waste Experts in Huddersfield, which are Approved Authorised Treatment Facilities (AATF) for solar waste.

To get your panels to these specialist plants, your installer will deliver them to a DCF, where they will then get transported for proper disposal.

Some key DCFs include:

• Ample Energy Services, Dartford
• Greenpower Electrical and Renewables, Galashiels
• Joju Solar, Lydford On Fosse
• NuVision Energy, Dunkeswell
• Trust Solar Wholesale Ltd, Maidstone
• Waxman Energy Ltd, Elland
• Wind & Sun Ltd, Leominster

You can take your old panels to a DCF yourself, but you'll need to register as a waste carrier first, so it's generally easier to just leave it to your installer.

How many solar panels will need recycling?

Solar panel waste is set to increase dramatically. According to a 2016 report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the UK is predicted to generate 30,000 tonnes of solar waste by 2030, and 350,000 tonnes by 2040.

Globally, solar panel waste is expected to rise by over 4,000% in the same period. In the next decade, IRENA estimates global solar panel waste could be between 1.7 million and eight million tonnes, highlighting the urgent need for effective recycling solutions.

The reason behind this expected surge in defunct panels in the 2030s is because installations from the early 2000s will shortly reach the end of their lifespan.

Long term solutions to the recycling problem

Long-term solutions to the solar recycling problem include redesigning solar panels to be more easily recyclable.

Current innovations focus on using tough materials that are easier to take apart and recycle without damaging parts, and replacing toxic substances with safer options.

The goal of these changes is to make recycling more eco-friendly and economically viable. This approach tackles the waste issue while also supporting the sustainable growth of the solar industry.

Summary

Although solar panels may have a lifespan of up to 40 years, the solar industry needs to prioritise developing efficient disposal and recycling methods to make sure we don't end up with tonnes of avoidable solar waste in landfill.

As the demand for green technology increases, there will be significant improvements in the recycling process to help reduce waste, conserve valuable resources, and continue to make strides towards a more sustainable future.

To find out how much a solar & battery system could save you, enter a few quick details below and we’ll provide an estimate.

Solar panel recycling: FAQs