Reusing materials help limit pollution and trash from affecting the earth. Many items and materials can be recycled and given a new life. When solar panels reach the end of their life, they can be recycled and refurbished to serve someone else. Recycling solar panels is quite a complex process and comes with a few considerations for businesses and homeowners. In this blog, we will answer some of the most common questions, about how solar panel recycling works, and how it can help the environment.
How Are Panels Recycled?
When solar panels are sent for recycling, the ultimate goal is to recover as much material as possible. Any components or materials that can be harvested and aren’t damaged can be reused in a new set of panels.
The start of the process will include removing the aluminum frame around the panels. Aluminum is 100% reusable so it is important to remove these and recycle them for another purpose.
Glass is 95% reusable, so the next step is when glass is put on a conveyor belt and sorted. The glass on solar panels is often connected to other materials like silicon, lead, copper, and silver.
These materials need to be separated so that they can be inspected for quality. Not all of the materials removed during this process can be used again, as their lifespan is shorter.
The last step is to etch away or separate silicon and specialty metals from the rest of the materials. Silver and copper are popular metals that can be melted down and find new life in another technology.
Silicon is 85% reusable, but it will need to be melted into slabs. Through a thermal and chemical process, silicon wafers can be recovered and strengthened.
Do All Recycling Plants Accept Solar Panels?
Only about 10% of panels in the U.S. are recycled because it is not quite cost-effective to recycle them. Not all recycling plants will have a process for recycling solar panels, so even if you take them to your local plant, they could end up in a landfill. While the recycling process is expanding and becoming more accessible, it could take until 2050 before recycling is commonplace. About 8 million metric tons of decommissioned solar panels could fill the earth by 2030, so recycling even some of the materials, will help limit unsafe conditions for our environment.
Some states, like Washington, have passed federal mandates that require the manufacturer of the panels to offer recycling. European countries are also required to collect and recycle used solar panels that they produce.
Does Recycling Solar Panels Make A Difference?
As previously mentioned, recycling solar panels is not the most cost-effective option for businesses or recycling plants. One panel’s worth of harvested materials will yield about $3 in return. The metals and aluminum are used in building projects, which is helpful for limiting waste, but other components often go to waste.
However, the price of recycled materials will continue to change. Some reviews state that raw materials from solar panels came to around $19. This could mean that more companies will jump on the recycling bandwagon and offer a more efficient process to extract materials.
Since the introduction of solar panels is fairly new, we haven’t been able to see the long term affects on the environment. The typical lifespan of solar panels is 25-30 years, which means that many panels are not ready to be recycled. If the predictions of decommissioned panels turn out to be correct, reusing materials will almost certainly help keep waste at bay.
Are Recycled Panels Less Durable Than New Ones?
The durability of recycled panels depends on the efficiency of the recycling process. If materials are recovered without significant degradation, they can last just as long in a recycled panel as a new one. Studies show that there are minimal differences in efficiency between new and reused materials. Recycled panels that are purchased from a legitimate manufacturer are just as durable and energy-efficient as new solar panels.
Solar Panels From American Solar & Roofing
Our company is the longest-running solar installer in Arizona. Through the years, we have learned the ins and outs of solar panels and how they function. American Solar & Roofing can install recycled solar panels or new solar panels for homes and businesses.
We take solar energy very seriously, which is something that helps our customers trust us. Our team is open to innovation and learning to help you provide the highest-quality panels for your project. If you are interested in learning more about solar panels and how to harness the energy of the sun, reach out to our experts today!
