Tackling The Solar Panel End-of-Life Problem and its Sustainability

Solar panels are a crucial cornerstone in converting the entire world to solar energy. However, with global mass adoption on the horizon, recycling is a huge problem many solar panel users and green organizations have to contend with soon. Fortunately, many measures today can help improve solar panel recycling in the near future.

For example, the US Department of Energy (DOE) has released measures that would ensure a clean and safe approach to solar panel recycling. According to Kelly Speakes-Backman of the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at the DOE, the rise of PV system adoption should raise concerns about the need for sustainable recycling.

Solar panel recycling is a simple yet time and resource-heavy task that requires the removal and extraction of silicon cells from the PV systems. Then, it requires heat levels beyond 2,732F to release the cell’s silicon and aluminum, which are eventually cooled and solidified. Lastly, these two raw materials can be fused together or sold apart to manufacturers.

DOE’s Solar Energy Technologies Office can fund research on effective solar panel recycling that reduces resource, lower the cost of doing so, and support better solar panel installation methods. Learn more about their initiative here.

End-of-life management for photovoltaics (PV) refers to the processes that occur when solar panels and all other components are retired from operation. There are millions of solar installations connected to the grid in the United States, which means there are hundreds of millions of PV panels in use. Most PV systems are young—approximately 70% of solar energy systems have been deployed in the past five years. The estimated operational lifespan of a PV module is about 30-35 years, although some may produce power much longer. So, while there are not many systems entering the waste stream right now, more systems will come to the end of their useful life in the next few decades.

In addition, new materials, designs, and practices can help to reduce PV manufacturing’s environmental impact by minimizing waste, energy use, negative effects on human health, and pollution. Learn more about PV materials and how they work. 

Why Is PV End-of-Life Management Important?

According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, cumulative end-of-life PV waste in the United States in 2030 is projected to be between 0.17 and 1 million tons. To put that in perspective, there are 200 million tons of solid waste, excluding recycled and composted materials, generated in the United States each year. While weather damage and installation errors cause most end-of-life issues now, some consumers and plant operators may choose to upgrade their panels before the warranty period expires or to take advantage of technological improvements.

Recycling processes for cadmium telluride and silicon PV modules exist, but in the U.S., the total cost of recycling is greater than the cost to landfill. Focusing on PV end-of-life management will help the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) reduce the environmental impacts of solar energy and ultimately make solar energy more affordable. Learn more about SETO’s goals. (Continue reading here to learn)