When you hear about solar energy and solar panels, you can only think of a positive environmental impact, reducing gas emissions, and saving money, right? And it is so, the growth of solar panel systems marks a significant shift toward clean, renewable power. However, there is one concern that one may not even consider at the moment.
The growth comes with a long-term environmental challenge:
Let’s take a closer look at solar panel durability, the intricacies of PV panel recycling in the United States, and what can be done to provide a sustainable system for solar panel end-of-life management.
The lowering cost of solar has made renewable energy more accessible than ever, resulting in an exponential rise in solar usage. With approximately 1.6 TWdc (or 1600 GWdc) PV modules installed globally by the end of 2023 (including over 200 GWdc in the U.S., through Q1 2024), end-of-life management is crucial for all PV technologies to ensure sustainable clean energy solutions.
Source: Solar Incentives
The common solar panels’ life expectancy is 25 to 30 years, after which their efficiency drops below acceptable levels. Panels can also stop operating due to storm damage, manufacturing defects, or technological upgrades. So, what is the future of these panels?
By 2030, the U.S. is expected to generate over one million tons of solar panel waste. By 2050, that number could reach more than 10 million tons annually. These figures highlight the urgent need for a nationwide solution to solar panel waste management.
Now, without any further ado, let’s look at the recycling opportunities depending on the solar components:
Source: VSSES
While many of these materials are technically recyclable, disassembling them efficiently and safely requires specialized processes, which are not yet widely adopted in the U.S.
The process of solar panel recycling in the U.S. leaves much to be desired. End-of-life disposal of solar products is governed by the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and state policies that govern waste disposal or other disposition. Some of the PV components can be classified as hazardous waste by the RCPA and are expected to be utilised accordingly.
However, some U.S. states allow those hazardous panels to be treated as universal waste, like batteries, LED bulbs, and aerosol cans. Others might have state-level regulations for proper use.
Washington State policy – Washington is the first U.S. state to develop an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy aimed primarily at photovoltaic (PV) solar panels. Here are the main details:
SEIA National PV Recycling Program is a network of recycling and refurbishment companies that offer end-of-life management services to solar and storage installers, project and system owners, developers, distributors, and other stakeholders.
First Solar Take-Back Program – First Solar is the only major manufacturer with a global, in-house recycling program focused on CdTe thin-film modules. The key points of the process:
In contrast to the European Union’s Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive, which mandates PV panel recycling, the U.S. has yet to enact comprehensive federal policies. As a result, we have a system with inconsistent standards and minimal accountability.
Despite increasing awareness, many constraints limit the widespread implementation of solar panel recycling in the United States.
Recycling a solar panel in the United States might cost $20 to $30 per unit, whereas sending it to a landfill costs only $1 to $2. Without subsidies or rules, many owners choose the cheapest disposal option.
There are currently only a few certified solar panel recyclers in the United States. Many e-waste facilities lack the specialized materials and chemical treatments for PV modules.
Some older panels include toxic compounds such as lead and cadmium, which complicate disposal and increase environmental dangers if discarded improperly.
Another challenge is that there’s no official registry that records solar panel lifespans, ownership changes, or disposal methods. With this data gap, it’s difficult to develop effective, unified, large-scale recycling programs.
As the average lifespan of solar panels is 25-30 years, end-of-life management of PV panels in the United States is a growing issue that needs quick attention. While solar energy offers multiple benefits, hazardous waste and resource inefficiencies can outweigh the benefits.
Creating a circular solar economy will require collaboration among politicians, manufacturers, recyclers, and consumers. Numerous challenges require discussion and appropriate solutions. With the right infrastructure, innovation, and legislation, the United States can ensure that its clean energy future is not just bright but also sustainable.