Is it worth recycling scrap solar panels in the UK?

It is worth recycling scrap solar panels in the UK because the surge in solar energy applications in the UK has led to a large number of scrap photovoltaic panels that need to be recycled. With the support of the British government, recycling solar panels can not only obtain materials that can be sold and enterprise cost-effectiveness, but also protect the environment. The following is a detailed introduction to the reasons why it is worth recycling scrap solar panels in the UK.

1. Recycling scrap solar panels to obtain materials that can be sold

Final products of UK solar panel recycling machine

It is worth recycling scrap solar panels in the UK because it can obtain materials that can be sold, such as aluminum frames, glass, silicon, copper, and plastic. The following is a detailed product introduction.

Aluminum frame: Aluminum frame accounts for about 10% of the content of solar panels. DOING solar panel aluminum frame dismantling machine can obtain aluminum frame. In 2024, the UK recycled more than 10,000 tons of aluminum from various sources, and solar panel aluminum frame accounted for a large proportion.

Glass: Glass accounts for about 70% of the content of solar panels. The glass obtained by DOING solar panel glass dismantling machine at high temperature has larger particles and higher prices.

Silicon: Silicon accounts for about 5% of the content of solar panels. Silicon is the semiconductor core of most solar cells. DOING uses rotary vibration screening equipment to obtain silicon powder with a purity of up to 95%, which can be used to manufacture new solar panels.

Copper: Copper accounts for about 5% of the content of solar panels. DOING obtains copper through multi-stage sorting equipment with a purity of more than 98%, which can be used for metal products, etc.

Plastic: Plastic accounts for about 3% of the content of solar panels. DOING separates copper and plastic through electrostatic sorting. The purity of the obtained plastic is about 95%, which can be used to produce new plastic products.

2. Enterprise cost-effectiveness

UK solar panel recycling machine reduce enterprise cost-effectiveness

For solar panel installers and manufacturers, purchasing solar panel recycling equipment can save costs for the company. According to relevant statistics, by 2030, the value of raw materials that can be recovered from solar panels worldwide may reach about $450 million, which may provide funds for the production of about 60 million new solar panels. Recycling solar panels has huge profit margins and is favored by investors who recycle waste photovoltaic panels. DOING solar panel recycling equipment has been successfully exported to the UK, which shows that DOING equipment meets the UK's environmental protection requirements for solar panel recycling.

3. Recycling waste photovoltaic panels reduces environmental pollution

Environmentally friendly UK solar panel recycling machine

It is predicted that by 2023, more than 90% of large electronic waste in the UK will be recycled, and solar panels should also be part of this positive trend to prevent environmental degradation. In the UK, by 2030, recycling only 10% of the expected discarded solar panels will save enough silicon to manufacture more than 1 million new solar panels, thereby reducing the environmental impact associated with mining.

UK solar panel recycling machine manufacturer

In short, it is worthwhile to recycle waste solar panels in the UK. DOING uses physical methods to recycle waste solar panels, which not only meets the UK's environmental standards but also brings you economic benefits. DOING has more than 14 years of experience in manufacturing, and its equipment has been exported to the UK, India, the United States, Poland, Brazil, Australia and other countries. If you want to start a solar panel recycling business, send us photos of solar panels, and our project manager will recommend a suitable recycling solution and quotation for you.