Solar PV Recycling Will Be A Multi-Billion Dollar Industry

Solar PV Recycling

A new report predicts the total annual recycled product value of crystalline silicon solar panels will hit USD $12 billion in 2035.

While a good quality solar panel will have a lifespan of decades – some modules manufactured in the 80’s are still going strong – the massive uptake of PV technology will see huge volumes of panels being retired at some stage.

The good news is given crystalline solar panels contain very few components and by weight mainly consist of aluminium, glass and silicon; over 90% of a panel’s weight can be recycled into more modules or other products.

Various schemes are already evolving for PV recycling. In October last year, we reported PV Cycle had collected over 2,900 tonnes of end-of-life modules under its Collective Scheme and Individual System. More than 200 solar panel manufacturers are now members of PV Cycle, including Suntech,REC,AUOand Hanwha SolarOne.

The solar PV recycling industry looks set to be a lucrative one. According to a recent report from GlobalData, by 2025 the amount of end of life crystalline modules is expected to reach approximately 19,475 tons of waste, growing to 1,098,282 tons by 2035. This massive increase will see PV recycling become an emerging market during the 15 year time frame.

GlobalData says the total recycled product value of crystalline modules is expected to increase from $122 million in 2025 to $12 billion by 2035.

The report, entitled “Solar Module Recycling – A Necessary Step to Maximize Environmental Benefits of Solar PV Industry”, says the value per watt of a PV Recycling module will reach $0.58 by 2025, increasing to $1.21 per watt in 2035.

GlobalData says major factors behind the rise of PV recycling product value will be the increased recycled mass of solar panel glass and aluminium and the expected market price variations of the crystalline modules.

While primarily focusing on crystalline silicon PV given its major share of the market, the report also details the cost analysis of PV recycling processes for technologies such as a-Si (Amorphous silicon), CdTe (Cadmium Telluride) and CIGS (Copper, Indium, Gallium, Selenide).

The Author

Darryn Van Hout

I developed an interest in the Australian energy and construction sectors more than a decade ago and have since closely followed the trends, technologies and developments shaping both industries. My involvement in the Australian solar market began in 2008, and over the years I have built strong connections with professionals, businesses and organisations across the construction, solar and renewable energy sectors in Australia and internationally. These connections include solar panel and inverter manufacturers, electrical and construction industry professionals, software developers creating tools to quote, monitor and manage solar power systems, and media organisations that closely follow developments across energy, construction and renewable technologies. Today, I continue to contribute as an industry advocate, author and commentator, sharing practical insights and information to help Australian consumers and businesses better understand solar power, energy technologies, construction-related developments and the changing Australian energy landscape.