The rise of solar power has been nothing but positive in the transition to net zero. The increasing demand for Solar PV panels have boosted the amount of clean energy into the grid and provided energy security to thousands of homes.
With increased demand and price of Solar PV decreasing, a huge influx of panels will be brought into the market. With an industry shift like this, many have raised the question ‘How do we manage the disposal and replacement of Solar PV panels that are not fit for purpose?’
Solar panel recycling is a vital process in the journey to net zero. Poor management of panels at their end-of-life phase will hinder the positive environmental impact of Solar PV.
According to environmental services specialist Waste Experts, without proper recycling 60million tonnes of panel waste could be dumped onto landfill by 2050.
Solar panel recycling is clearly the (sun) burnt cake underneath the green energy icing with the awareness of this issue not being discussed.
Whilst solar panels are difficult to disassemble because of the different materials that make up Solar PVs, the recycling of Solar panels would reduce the amount of waste going to landfill and recoup the recourses needed for the mining and manufacturing of new materials.
Silicon can be recycled in the manufacturing of new panels, glass can be up-cycled into the construction industry, the same with aluminium into the automotive industry.
The benefits of Solar PV recycling are evident with approximately £11billion potentially being recovered by 2050. This figure equates to the production of 2billion new solar panels, without the need of investment in new materials, or 630GW of clean energy.
Overall, the price of Solar infrastructure decreasing has led to an increase in solar panel installation. This, in time, will increase the need for efficient waste management of Solar PV panels. This journey has begun with the Waste Electric and Equipment Directive (WEEE) obliging all Solar panel producers to join a Producer Compliance Scheme. Schemes like these provide the foundations to efficient waste management of end-of-life Solar PV panels.
For more interviews from Solar&StorageXtra and to keep up to date with all NEW content, subscribe to the Solar&StorageXtra YouTube channel and Newsletter!
To enquire about interviews, submit news and press releases please contact our Editor, Regan Slaymaker, regan.slaymaker@terrapinn.com.
For sponsorship and exhibition enquires please contact Tom Moon, tom.moon@terrapinn.com.
