Collect photovoltaic panels and solar panel manufacturers

Which EU countries recycle solar panels?

The rules require all PV panel manufacturers in the EU to run take-back or recycling programs, or partner with other recycling schemes. As a result, Germany, which has the most solar power capacity in Europe, has one of the largest PV recycling systems in the world.

Where are solar panels recycled?

Solar panels are recycled at We Recycle Solar's large plant in Yuma, Ariz., and a smaller one in New York City. We Recycle Solar, launched five years ago, recycles tens of thousands of panels each week, with material coming from homes, businesses, and solar farms.

Does the US have a circular economy for PV module recycling?

A final report in the series analyzes federal and state regulations (existing, pending, and historic) that explicitly address PV module recycling in the United States. A circular economy for energy materials reduces waste and preserves resources by designing materials and products with reuse, recycling, and upcycling in mind from the start.

Do solar panels have a producer responsibility program?

The recycling industry has producer responsibility programs for solar panels. For example, Europe has adopted laws forcing solar panel producers to finance the collection and recycling of their products. In 2017, Washington state became the first state to pass a bill establishing an extended producer responsibility (EPR) program for solar panels.

Does Washington State have extended producer responsibility for solar panels?

Starting in July 2023, Washington State will require manufacturers to fund collection and recycling of solar panels through an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program.

How do you recycle solar panels?

To recycle the most common type of solar panel, which use crystalline silicon to generate electricity, SOLARCYCLE’s team removes the junction box and frames, slices the panel open, grinds up the bits that remain, and then separates the valuable metals from the remaining materials.