In the coming years, recyclers will hopefully be able to mine billions of dollars worth of materials from discarded solar panels, according to a new analysis published this week.
Can recyclers mine billions of dollars from discarded solar panels?
Aerial view of a solar farm producing clean renewable energy on April 20, 2022, in Emmeloord, Netherlands. In the coming years, recyclers will hopefully be able to mine billions of dollars worth of materials from discarded solar panels, according to a new analysis published this week.
According to a report published by TechSci Research on Global Solar Panel Recycling Market, the global solar panel recycling market is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 20% through 2024, on the back of increasing volume of decommissioned PV panels coupled with strict laws to boost effective recycling.
Federal solid and hazardous waste regulations (i.e., the RCRA requirements) apply to solar panels when they are discarded. When a solar panel reaches the end of its usable life or is otherwise discarded, it becomes solid waste. Solid waste is regulated federally under RCRA Subtitle D and through state and local government programs.
What is the value of used solar panels?
The value of used solar panels also lies in the materials used to make the solar cells. Photovoltaic cells contain elements such as silver and tellurium. These are rare and non-renewable resources that can be extracted from the used solar panels.
Can solar panels be recycled?
In the future, more of the materials used to make new solar panels are likely to come from re-hashed panels. Recovered silver, polysilicon, copper, and aluminum can fetch the most cash on the recycling market, according to Rystad. Unfortunately, today, silver and solar-grade silicon usually isn't separated out with today's recycling methods.
Are dead solar panels a good idea?
Right now, most dead solar panels in the US just get shredded or chucked into a landfill. The economics just don't shake out in recycling's favor. The value you can squeeze out of a salvaged panel hasn't been enough to make up for the cost of transporting and recycling it.