Solar energy is a clean and abundant source of renewable energy. However, with the increasing waste generated by PV panels, it poses both a challenge and an opportunity. The US National Renewable Energy Laboratory says that less than 10% of decommissioned panels in the country are recycled. This has given rise to solar panel recycling companies, safeguarding the environmental benefits of solar energy from improper disposal. Let us explore the top companies in this business.
Solar Panel Recycling Companies
They address the crucial need for responsible disposal and recycling as panels reach the end of their lifecycle. Notable recycling companies manage end-of-life solar products, repurposing and recycling panels to reduce environmental impact. Here is a list of some notable recycling companies:
1. First Solar
US-based First Solar recycling company demonstrates commitment to responsible PV recycling by converting mining by-products into high-value recycled materials for new solar panels, maximizing resource efficiency. But can solar panels be recycled?
2. Yousolar
They specializes in raw material treatment and recovery, embracing a zero-waste approach by recycling materials like aluminium, silicon, glass, and plastic. Yousolar ensure 100% raw material recovery for product circularity and environmental protection. In collaboration with stakeholders, they manage and recover photovoltaic modules in Italy. They analyze functionality, collect and dispose of WEEE, and recover valuable materials or convert waste into energy.
3. We Recycle Solar
The company broadens recycling options for used solar panels. They offer a simple, profitable and compliant disposal process for damaged and end-of-life materials. We Recycle Solar Company collaborate with solar industry professionals and utilities, O&M professionals, and nationwide contractors.
4. SunR
Based in Brazil, they foster reverse logistics and use only mechanical methods for environmental impact reduction. SunR collect damaged photovoltaic modules from individuals or businesses. SunR achieves 92% efficiency by carefully selecting materials and using post-processing techniques. They responsibly dispose of recycled materials before reintroducing them into the manufacturing process, helping conserve the planet’s limited resources. They also provide a certification seal to customers and partners for ethical disposal of electrical and electronic waste.
5. Solucciona Energía
They introduced Solrecycle technology for photovoltaic module recycling in Spain, aiming to address waste generation in solar plants and promote eco-friendly energy. Solucciona Energía provides services to various organizations and involves thorough module inspection. The modules are then classified for repowering or recycling based on cost and technical feasibility.
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6. Silcontel
They specialize in sourcing and recycling solar panels and lithium-ion batteries globally from revamping, repowering, manufacturers, project developers, EPC companies, O&M companies, project owners, distributors, and installers. For prompt purchase and shipment, Silcontel use their vast global partner network.
They handle panels of various conditions, ranging from new to used and B/C grade. Silcontel fixes issues such as frame scratches, uneven cells, ribbon misalignment, and negative tolerance. They also offer affordable services like inspection, purchase, dismantling, repacking, and on-site shipment.
7. Reiling
They recycle used photovoltaic modules for manufacturers, solar park operators, EPCs, installers, businesses, dealers, and collection systems. Reiling have 15 years of experience and ensure legally compliant recycling. They aim to establish an efficient recycling system by collaborating with various sectors like municipalities, trade, commerce, and dual systems, to provide comprehensive assistance for the entire recycling process.
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8. Recycle1234
Among the list of solar panel recycling companies, Recycle1234 is a solar panel recycling company that accepts various solar-related items from contributors such as installers, contractors, homeowners, and businesses. They process non-working solar panels with issues such as thin film, wire cuts, burnt spots, or breakage to extract valuable metals like silver, silicon, copper, and aluminum. They also accept working panels and other solar products like tiles, lamps, and lab toys. As an E-Waste Recycling Center in Bay Area they promote responsible electronics disposal and offers drop-off bin and pickup service for high-resale-value items.
9. Recycle Solar
Based in Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, the company recycles PV panels in an environmentally friendly way, reducing waste and ensuring proper documentation. Recycle Solar recycles PV panels by removing aluminum strips and cable connectors, cutting the panels into pieces, shredding them, and using a rotating drum to separate semiconductor films from glass. The separated materials are then processed to extract materials for use in new solar panels.
10. PV Industries
Australia-based PV Industries recycles solar panels to prevent waste and benefit the environment and local manufacturers. They prioritize high-value recovery pathways through innovative recycling processes for solar panels, inverters, and mounting equipment. They collaborate with universities and government agencies to develop processing technology.
11. Interco
Since 1996, Interco, located in Illinois near St. Louis, has been a global leader in electronics and solar panel recycling. They achieve a 90% return of reusable materials during PV cell recycling. Following circular economy principles they are addressing the demand for sustainable management of scrap solar panels. They provide smelter-ready materials to commercial, industrial, and government organizations globally, specializing in non-ferrous and electronics scrap. Recycling with Interco conserves materials and lowers the cost of solar technology.
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12. Ecoactiv
Australia-based Ecoactiv recycles solar panels to contribute to the circular economy, accepting various panel types and equipment including monocrystalline, polycrystalline, thin-film, amorphous silicon, biohybrid solar cells, solar mounting racks, frames, and inverters. They promote recycling to recover around 80% of recyclable materials, including crystalline silicon, junction boxes, glass, plastics, aluminum frames, and brackets. This helps prevent toxic leaching, protects the environment, and extends the life of materials. They also support resource conservation by recovering valuable resources like precious metals.
13. Immark
It is an electronic waste and composite materials recycling company based in Switzerland since 1986. Immark recycle materials from photovoltaic modules in solar systems, including glass, copper, aluminum, and plastic. Different processes are used for crystalline silicon and thin film modules, with special treatment required for modules containing cadmium. Solar systems can be disposed of or larger systems can be reported directly to SENS.
It is currently expanding its global reach with extensive services such as collection, logistics solutions, and secure data destruction. They exceed European Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive Standards, with a recovery rate of more than 95%.
14. Fabtech
Among the solar panel recycling companies, Fabtech have a zero-landfill policy and offers fast, easy, and EPA-compliant solutions for recycling and reusing solar panels. They handle the entire life cycle from removal to recovery and recycling. In less than 8 years, they’ve refurbished and resold 100s to 1000s of panels, saving money on recycling and increasing access to solar energy. They manage transportation and issue recycling certificates for different types of PV cells in collaboration with authorized recyclers, ensuring safe and responsible recycling across multiple states.
15. EtaVolt
They use a special process to recover materials in their PV recycling plant, reaching over 90% recovery. Their outdoor PV recycling solution reduces costs and is aimed at revolutionizing Singapore’s energy system. EtaVolt promotes sustainable solar services, including consulting, certification, legal responsibility, operation, and business development for photovoltaic solutions. They work with institutions, organizations, and clients to demonstrate and implement solar technology solutions.
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16. Envaris
The company effectively disposes of PV system components nationwide, recovering raw materials and providing efficient disposal and recycling services, saving time and money for customers. Additionally, Envaris handles warranty processing and report preparation for photovoltaic disposal and recycling services. They provide trustworthy solutions for all photovoltaic needs, including inspections, maintenance, repair, and recycling of solar systems.
17. Elecsome
Australia-based ElecSome specializes in recycling, reusing, and upcycling PV panels. They offer sustainable waste management solutions, repurposing used panels to recover materials like glass, silicon, polymers, aluminum, copper, and silver for use in other products. They use their patented technology that avoids using heat or hazardous chemicals. Each panel is evaluated for recycling, considering logistics, collection, skilled labor, and decommissioning.
18. Cyber Recycling
This Australia-based company provides solar panel disposal and recycling services for government, industry, and professional services. Cyber Recycling focuses on getting the most out of self-powered products by replacing damaged solar cells, sending them to their recycling plant, and reducing the energy needed for solar cell recycling. Skilled technicians safely remove, evaluate, recycle, and destroy equipment, including ageing photovoltaic sheets. Their focus is on maximizing recyclable extraction and minimizing landfill volume.
19. Cleanlites
They specialize in waste management for corporations, governments, and medical facilities. Cleanlites focuses on responsible disposal and recycling of solar panels, metal, steel, and silicon to minimize environmental impact. The company works with manufacturers, installers, and repair operations to handle large quantities of solar panels and energy storage systems safely. They recycle all components of end-of-life solar panels, providing them with a second life and recovering valuable materials like silver and copper.
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20. Aerisoul
Europe-based Aerisoul recycles solar panels, recovering up to 100% of raw materials according to WEEE directive and EU regulations, promoting a circular economy. They ensure recovery certificates for solar and e-waste, reducing waste and extracting new materials, resulting in zero-waste. Aerisoul also offer decommissioning services for Utility-Scale Solar Farms, including removal, transportation, and recycling of various types of solar panels. This includes monocrystalline, polycrystalline, thin-film, amorphous silicon (a-Si), and copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS).
21. SOLARCYCLE
This leading provider, offers cost-effective and environmentally friendly recycling solutions for advanced solar recycling solutions. Working with solar companies to build a sustainable end-of-life journey for solar systems, SOLARCYCLE captures 95% of the panels’ value for the supply chain by transporting, sorting, and recycling them. The company provides recycle services nationwide, prioritizing safety, compliance, and low costs through advanced technologies. Research team innovates to recover valuable materials like silver and copper.
22. Earth Sense
Led by India’s experts in electrical and electronic waste recycling, the company prioritizes resource conservation, intellectual property safeguards, asset recovery and reverse logistics. Through intelligent recycling technology, the Earth Sense Recycle Pvt. Ltd., extracts metals, plastics, glass, and precious metals from e-waste, actively contributing to India’s circular economy. Their efficient system for managing e-waste includes collection, transportation, segregation, dismantling, and recycling. Their strategy prioritizes maximizing product recovery and reduces hazardous waste.
23. Solarpanelrecycling.com
With significant investments in R&D, separation systems, and proprietary machinery, the US-based Solarpanelrecycling.com (SPR) recycles at a higher rate than competitors. They have recycled over a million pounds of solar panels for various utility companies and retail chains across multiple states. They handle two types of solar panels: crystalline silicon (mono and poly) and thin-film (specifically CdTe). SPR aims to surpass a 95% recycling efficiency in their solar recycling process, effectively separating and recovering glass, aluminum, plastics, silicon, and metals.
24. ROSI
They offer innovative solutions in the photovoltaic industry by revaluing raw materials in Europe. ROSI aims to recover valuable materials lost during PV cell manufacturing and solar panel disposal and to establish a circular economy in PV module manufacturing. ROSI uses advanced technology to sustainably manage materials and separate them for silicon and silver recovery.
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25. PV CYCLE
It is a non-profit that globally manages waste and ensures legal compliance for businesses and waste holders. Their strategy aims to enhance the efficiency of waste sorting in order to improve the quality of recycled materials. PV CYCLE stops illegal waste practices by establishing an intelligent network for PV panel waste, increasing recycling rates. PV CYCLE has a special collection network to pick up different types of waste, like PV panels, batteries, and E-waste.
26. The Retrofit Companies, Inc.
They are a specialist in solar panel recycling and nationwide services. They help businesses responsibly dispose of solar products, ensuring compliance with local waste regulations and minimizing environmental impact. Retrofit Companies, Inc. advises businesses on clean energy regulations, including disposal options and risk mitigation. They contribute to a circular solar economy by recycling solar panels for downstream applications.
Ultimately, solar panel recycling companies play a vital role in responsible environmental management, utilizing cutting-edge technology and promoting circular economies. By choosing a company from the curated list, you will contribute to a sustainable material economy and a green future.
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