Solar Panel Recycling: A Second Life for Sustainable Power

According to the International Energy Agency's (IEA) global supply chain study on solar photovoltaic, the amount of solar panel waste is projected to reach 400,000 to 600,000 tons by 2030 and increase to 11 million to 15 million tons by 2040. This makes it crucial for governments, industries, and stakeholders to implement circular economy strategies to manage these materials.

More than 90% of a solar panel’s composition consists of highly reusable materials such as glass, aluminum, and plastic. Even materials considered obsolete can find new uses in the energy transition. Through specialized recycling processes, these materials can be effectively extracted and reused. Therefore, giving these photovoltaic components a second life further promotes the development of a circular economy in the energy sector.

Mechanical recycling is currently the most common method for recovering raw materials from solar panels. This method is simple and cost-effective, allowing for the recovery of large quantities of glass and aluminum. It involves dismantling, crushing, and physically separating the components of the solar panels:

Solar panel module dismantling and recycling process

Initial Disassembly—The solar panel components are mechanically disassembled, removing external components such as the aluminum frame and junction box, in preparation for subsequent processing.

Shredding—The disassembled photovoltaic panels are broken down into smaller fragments using crushing and shredding equipment, exposing and separating the internal materials (such as glass, silicon, and metals).

Separation—The shredded mixed materials are sorted and recycled based on particle size, density, or electrical properties using methods such as screening, gravity separation, or electrostatic separation.

Currently, solar panel recycling technology is continuously being optimized to improve material recovery rates and economic feasibility. Efficient recycling equipment ensures that various materials in photovoltaic modules are fully separated and recovered, while also guaranteeing environmental protection and safety during the operation. DOING Company specializes in providing solutions and supporting equipment for the solar panel recycling process, helping recycling companies improve processing efficiency and material recovery rates.

DOING high-efficiency solar panel module recycling solutions

1. Efficient Recycling, Resource Reuse: DOING solar panel recycling machine utilizes advanced physical separation technology, combined with a multi-stage crushing and sorting process, to efficiently separate components such as aluminum frames, glass, silicon materials, and plastics from solar panels. With a material recovery rate of over 98%, it maximizes resource reuse.

2. Highly Automated, Easy Operation: The photovoltaic panel recycling machine is designed with user experience in mind, achieving a high degree of automation. From the disassembly and separation of solar panels to material collection, the entire process requires minimal human intervention through PLC intelligent control, greatly improving work efficiency and reducing labor costs. At the same time, the simple and intuitive operation interface allows operators to quickly learn and easily master the equipment.

PLC-controlled automated solar panel recycling equipment

3. Environmentally Friendly and Pollution-Free, Meeting International Standards: During the equipment design process, DOING always prioritizes environmental protection. The dry physical separation method used avoids secondary pollution. Furthermore, it is equipped with dust removal device, meeting international environmental standards and providing reliable environmental protection for users.

Ensuring the proper disposal and recycling of every retired solar panel is a true embodiment of the sustainable energy concept. The potential recycling value of photovoltaic panels(the second life) is extended after their life cycle ends. Through resource recycling, we can not only reduce waste but also extend the environmental benefits of solar technology, injecting lasting momentum into the future of clean energy.

If you are planning or expanding your solar panel recycling business, or would like to learn more about photovoltaic module processing solutions, our professional team can provide you with further support. Please feel free to contact us through the contact information on our website to discuss how we can give solar panels a second life.