photovoltaic panels

Recycling of photovoltaic panels

Photovoltaic panels are an increasingly common way to generate electricity. However, like any device, they also wear out and need to be replaced. Recycling of photovoltaic panels is very important because the panels contain many toxic substances such as cadmium and lead, which can pollute the environment if improperly disposed of. In addition, the recycling of photovoltaic panels allows the recovery of valuable raw materials such as silicon, glass and aluminum, which can be reused in the production of new devices.

Panel lifetime

The long life of photovoltaic panels is one of their greatest advantages. Depending on the manufacturer and model, solar panels can last for 25-30 years or even longer. After this time, the panels lose their efficiency and need to be replaced. It is worth remembering, however, that used photovoltaic panels are not ordinary waste and should not be thrown into the trash. Therefore, if you have used photovoltaic panels, you should take them to a recycling point or contact the manufacturer. Please ensure that the panels are processed in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.

photovoltaic panels

Damaged panels

What to do with the damaged ones panels, e.g. due to weather anomalies such as storms? The first step is to check whether the panels contain substances hazardous to the environment. If so, the recycling process should be carried out in a way that minimizes the risk of contamination. For panels containing toxic substances, it is best to contact a professional recycling company.

If the panels do not contain hazardous substances, you can take them to your local recycling point. In some cases, they can also be returned to the manufacturer who recycles the panels. However, it is worth remembering that not all manufacturers have this option, so it is worth checking beforehand.

If the panels are damaged but do not contain hazardous substances, they can be returned to a recycling point or to the manufacturer who repairs or recycles them. In some cases, the panels can also be sold to recycling companies who can use the parts to make new appliances.

photovoltaic panels

It is important for us all to be aware that photovoltaic panels are extremely useful and environmentally beneficial devices. However, their recycling is also crucial for environmental protection. Therefore, it is always worth ensuring that used or damaged panels are recycled in a safe and environmentally friendly way. They must not be treated as normal waste, because they can contain many toxic substances that can pollute the environment. It is always worth remembering to return the panels to a professional recycling center or contact the manufacturer. Make sure that the panels are recycled in a safe and environmentally compliant manner. Thanks to this, we can take care of environmental protection together and use the potential of photovoltaic panels in a responsible and sustainable way.

How to dispose of solar panels?

People who decide to purchase installations that obtain energy from the sun, counting on stable and low electricity costs for many years, often do not take into account the wear of these panels over time. However, with the expansion of photovoltaics and technological progress, the number of defective modules that are unusable is also growing proportionally. The time of efficient operation of photovoltaic panels is defined by manufacturers as 25-30 years. What to do with the used photovoltaic panels? Most solar panels are recyclable. Up to 90% of the damaged panel can be recycled.

First of all, you can recover:

  • glass,
  • aluminum,
  • copper
  • plastics.

Where to donate solar panels?

Special companies deal with the recycling of photovoltaic panels. Solar panels with manufacturing defects are rare. Such modules are dismantled and recycled most often under warranty.

However, in a few or a dozen or so years, we will face a wave of panel replacement due to the end of their lifespan and replacement with newer models with higher power. At that time, the photovoltaic panel recycling market will probably experience its heyday.

Publication date: February 21, 2022

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