Old Solar Panels: Reusing Old Solar Panels

old solar panels

Despite the fact that you may have decided to install new solar panels on your home, you should know that there are many ways to repurpose and recycle old solar panels. From reprocessing and dismantling to repurposing them for other purposes, there are a number of ways to reuse old solar panels.

Materials in solar panels coming offline could be worth an estimated $2 billion by 2050

Several thousand solar panels are being decommissioned every day in the U.S., according to the SEIA. This number is expected to increase as more people replace their systems earlier. The sheer volume of panels being discarded poses an existential risk.

To properly dispose of old solar panels, toxic chemicals must be contained. This requires specialized labor, and some governments may classify solar panels as hazardous waste. Those chemicals are also likely to leach into groundwater.

The solar panel industry has not invested heavily in recycling capacity. The current market does not compensate for the processing costs and transportation costs of getting the panels to a recycling facility.

The solar industry will be challenged to recycle its panels in the future, and will need to invest in new capacity. Developing that capacity will be difficult until a steady stream of panels comes online. However, more economic incentives will begin to align to encourage customers to trade in their old panels.

Dismantling old solar panels

Whether you are considering upgrading your existing solar panel system or starting from scratch, it’s a good idea to know what you’re getting into. Not only will you have to deal with the installation process, but you’ll also need to plan for the inevitable decommissioning.

To help with this process, some companies have created solar panel recycling programs. These programs will help you recycle your old and used solar panels in a way that’s both green and efficient. Some companies will even provide you with a free quote.

The triumvirate of solar panel recycling companies includes Cleanlites Recycling, TT&E Iron & Metal, and United Scrap. These companies have locations in several states, including Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. All of these companies are focused on keeping solar equipment out of the landfill.

There are several pitfalls to avoid. The first and foremost rule of thumb is to make sure your old solar panels are not a hazard to the environment.

Reprocessing

Using recycled solar panels to power small off-grid applications makes a lot of sense. It can help overcome supply chain problems.

Solar panel recycling involves breaking down solar panels into their component materials. This includes glass, aluminum frame, wires, and junction boxes. These are separated and reused in other solar products.

The United States Department of Energy (DOE) is conducting research to help address the recycling of PV panels. Researchers will aim to fill the knowledge gap surrounding this topic.

The agency intends to conduct interviews with recyclers and solar users. It will also investigate end-of-life practices for PV products. It is aiming to create a comprehensive database of solar panels by 2024.

The solar industry has a number of technologies that help recycle panels. One company has even repurposed decommissioned panels to power homes. Another company recently opened a solar recycling facility.

RecyclePV accepts shipments of decommissioned arrays, tests the panels, and repurposes them. The company claims that it has saved 100 tons of solar materials from landfills.

Repurposing

Thousands of potentially usable solar panels are heading to landfills every year. As a result, solar panel recycling is becoming a critical step toward curbing climate change.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is working on ways to make solar panels more recyclable. The goal is to have a database of solar panel recycling options in place by 2024. Currently, solar panels can be recycled for about $12 to $25 per panel.

Researchers estimate that recycling solar panels could reduce the cost of solar panels by up to half. Some of the high-value materials found in solar panels include copper, aluminum, and silver. These materials can be reused in other solar products.

Researchers are also planning to learn from the car industry’s experience with recycling. Some manufacturers are already running worldwide recycling programs.

One company is taking old solar panels and repurposing them to power homes. This type of solar panel recycling is not a permanent solution. However, it makes sense for small off-grid applications.