25 YEARS
is the typical lifespan of a solar panel.
95% RECLAIMED
of materials, like glass, can be reclaimed and reused.
How It Works
Our state-of-the-art recycling process helps recover critical materials from retired solar panels, ensuring they don’t go to waste. With unique processes tailored to both silicon-based and thin-film solar panels, we make recycling efficient and effective.
Types of PV panels we can process
Silicon-Based Panels
These panels, made primarily from glass, plastic, aluminum, silicon, and metal, are 95% recyclable. Silicon-based panels have minimal cadmium, making them an environmentally friendly choice for recycling.
Thin-Film Panels
Thin-film panels allow for greater recovery of semiconductor materials, although slightly less glass is reclaimed. This type of panel also requires specialised handling and thermal processing through our partners.
Steps in Our Recycling Process
Frame Removal
The aluminum frame is separated and fully recycled, providing high-value material reuse.
Glass Separation
95% of the glass from the panel is reusable once our process has completed.
Thermal Processing
The panels undergo heating to 500°C, removing plastic components and separating cells without contamination.
Material Sorting
Remaining metals and semiconductors are separated for reuse, minimising landfill contributions.
Why Recycle Solar Panels?
Recycling solar panels is a critical part of creating a sustainable solar industry.
Here are some key reasons why solar panel recycling is so important:
Reducing Waste
Solar panels have a lifespan of 25–30 years. Without recycling, millions of tons of panel waste could end up in landfills by 2050.
Preserving Resources
Many valuable and limited resources, including silicon, aluminum, and rare metals, can be reused in new panels or other products.
Protect the Environment
Recycling reduces the need for mining and manufacturing of new materials, both of which have environmental impacts.
Economic Benefits
Recycled materials can be resold, driving a sustainable supply chain and creating green jobs within the UK.