As the world transitions from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, such as solar power, a new challenge arises: what do we do with old or worn-out solar panels? With the increasing installation of photovoltaic panels across the United States, particularly in sunny regions like the west and south, there is a growing concern about the disposal of this growing number of panels. Although solar panels have an expected lifespan of around 30 years, the initial wave of installations is now reaching the end of its usefulness. This has resulted in a push for recycling as a means to divert these panels from landfills and find alternative uses for their components.
Adam Saghei, the CEO of We Recycle Solar, highlights the urgent need for a plan to handle the surplus of solar panels. He predicts a “tsunami of solar panels” returning to the supply chain as the installed panels reach the end of their lifecycle. Saghei proposes reusing functional panels that may have minor defects or damages, redirecting them to other markets. However, for panels that no longer work due to age, extreme damage, or faults during installation, there is still value to be found.
Saghei introduces the concept of “urban mining,” a process his team perfected over three years. Urban mining involves recovering valuable materials such as silver, copper, aluminum, glass, and silicone from old solar panels. While the uses for metals are well-known, innovative ways to repurpose silicone and glass are emerging. For instance, silicone can be utilized in sand traps on golf courses or refined for sandblast mix. Glass can be repurposed for outdoor fireplaces or to create decorative stones. With their Yuma plant’s capacity to process up to 7,500 panels daily, We Recycle Solar boasts an impressive 99 percent recovery rate.
Meng Tao, an expert in sustainable energy infrastructure at Arizona State University, recognizes the pressing need to develop an efficient lifecycle for solar panels. As the United States commits to reducing its reliance on fossil fuels, the installation of solar panels is expected to increase, peaking in approximately two decades. However, the challenge lies in the logistics of recycling these panels. With installations spread across thousands of rooftops, the cost of transporting panels to recycling centers can be exorbitant. Moreover, unlike certain jurisdictions, the United States places the burden of removal and recycling costs on the end user, incentivizing households to dispose of old panels in local landfills. Tao emphasizes the importance of policy support to bridge the gap between consumer willingness to pay and the total lifecycle cost of these panels.
Adam Saghei acknowledges the financial considerations of recycling solar panels. While recycling has its costs, including labor and energy, Saghei believes that recovering materials from old panels for use in new ones is a profitable venture. He recognizes the growing markets in this industry and expresses confidence in reintroducing these raw commodities back into the supply chain as the sector expands.
As the use of solar panels expands, there is a need for a comprehensive strategy to ensure their sustainable lifecycle. Instead of viewing the end of a panel’s usefulness as waste, efforts to recover valuable materials and repurpose them in new panels or alternate applications can establish a circular economy. The concept of urban mining and the potential for reusing functional panels demonstrate that solar panel recycling holds promise, both economically and environmentally. Through policy support, streamlined logistics, and technological advancements, the challenges associated with recycling old solar panels can be overcome, paving the way towards a more sustainable future in renewable energy.
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