A brief guide to solar panel disposal

Solar panel disposal

Solar panels are increasingly popular with both homeowners and businesses who want to reduce their emissions. With most modern systems lasting between 20 and 30 years, there’s a strong incentive to invest. However, if your installation is nearing the end of its lifespan, or you’re concerned about how solar panels are disposed of, here’s everything you need to know.

Can you recycle solar panels?

The good news is that solar panels are made almost entirely of recyclable materials such as aluminium, glass and silicon. Here in the UK, we have an established centre for recycling solar panels, which is based in Scunthorpe and recycles hundreds of panels each year. However, with the growing demand for PV systems, the UK’s ability to recycle them needs to be scaled up.

How does solar panel recycling work?

The solar panel recycling process is fairly complex, requiring specialised machinery to separate all the parts ready for reuse. First of all, the aluminium frame is removed. Since 100% of this is recyclable, there’s no waste. Next, the glass is separated using a conveyor belt, which allows around 95% of it to be reused. After this, the solar panels are thermally processed at 500°C to evaporate small plastic components. The cells can then be separated and the silicon wafers recovered, ready to be used in new solar panels.

How can I dispose of solar panels?

When it comes to solar panel disposal, the UK still follows EU regulations. This means that the solar panel experts who installed your system are legally responsible for taking the old ones away or funding a Distributor Take-back Scheme (DTS). The panels will then be disposed of correctly via a Producer Compliance Scheme such as PV CYCLE.

If you need to dispose of your solar panels, simply contact your installer, who will guide you through the process. Since 2014, panels are required to be marked with a crossed out wheelie bin to remind you not to dispose of them in landfill.

If your solar panel installer has gone out of business, or you cannot contact them, a service provided by PV CYCLE will ensure your panels are removed safely and taken to a collection facility, from where they will be sent for recycling. There’s no cost for this service – simply get in touch with the experts to arrange a collection.

What happens to the recovered materials?

It’s hoped that by the late 2030s, new solar panels will be largely constructed from components used in earlier generations of PV systems. As such, there will be less need to mine for the necessary materials. This is particularly important for rare elements such as gallium and indium, which are depleting and could run out if they’re not recycled.

Solar panel installation in Kent

If you want to invest in a solar PV system, our expert solar panel installers in Kent can help. As an MCS certified provider, we will assess your energy needs and ensure your system is fitted according to the highest industry standards. Contact us today to discuss your requirements.