Solar Panel Recycling and Circularity: What the Future Holds

Introduction

As solar installations surge across the U.S., another issue is quietly rising on the horizon: what happens to panels at the end of their life? With the first generation of large-scale solar nearing retirement, questions around recycling, reuse, and waste are becoming critical. Circularity in the solar industry is about creating sustainable life cycles for every panel—and now is the time to address it.

Why Solar Recycling Matters

Most solar panels last 25–30 years, meaning a growing wave of decommissioned systems is expected by the 2030s. If not properly handled, they risk contributing to landfill waste and toxic material leakage. Recycling also reclaims valuable raw materials—like silver, silicon, and aluminum—that could reduce the environmental footprint of new panels and ease supply chain pressures.

What Can Be Recycled (and What Can’t)?

Currently, standard crystalline silicon PV panels are made of:

• Glass (≈75%) – Recyclable, but must be separated from laminates

• Aluminum frames – Easily recyclable

• Silicon wafers – Technically recyclable, but economically challenging

• Encapsulants & backsheets – Often made of plastics, harder to recycle

• Metals (silver, copper) – Recoverable but require specialized facilities

Today’s technology can recover about 80–90% of panel materials—but only with the right infrastructure and incentives.

Challenges in Solar Panel Recycling

• Cost: Recycling a panel can cost more than landfill disposal

• Infrastructure: Few facilities in the U.S. are equipped to handle PV waste

• Policy Gaps: Most states lack mandates for PV recycling

• Complex Design: Multi-material construction makes separation difficult

• Awareness: Many installers and asset owners haven’t planned for end-of-life management

Without intervention, solar waste could grow to 1 million tons per year in the U.S. alone by 2030.

Innovations in Circular Solar Design

Forward-looking companies are investing in:

• Design for Disassembly: Panels engineered for easier recycling

• Module Leasing Models: Retain ownership and manage recycling in-house

• Closed-loop Manufacturing: Use of recycled silicon and glass in new panels

• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Manufacturers take back old panels

• Digital Tracking: Serial numbers linked to recycling databases for traceability

The goal is to treat solar not as disposable tech—but as part of a sustainable materials economy.

What Commercial Buyers Should Consider

For building owners and developers, circularity is more than a “green” talking point—it’s a risk management and brand reputation issue.

• Ask manufacturers about take-back programs

• Review end-of-life clauses in EPC and O&M contracts

• Consider TCO (total cost of ownership), including disposal

• Select partners like Surge that prioritize sustainable sourcing and disposal practices

Getting ahead of recycling now can avoid costly headaches later.

TL;DR Summary

• A growing number of solar panels will reach end-of-life in the coming years, raising the need for responsible disposal and recycling.

• Most panel components are recyclable, but current infrastructure and incentives are lacking.

• Innovation in design and policy is helping create a circular solar economy.

• Commercial buyers should plan for panel recycling now—and work with developers like Surge who value sustainability at every stage.