Europe's First Solar Panel Recycling Plant Opens in France

As more solar panels in the UK approach the end of their 25-year operational lifespan, they're increasingly being taken down from rooftops. Traditionally, these decommissioned panels were sent to general glass recycling facilities. While this method captures glass and aluminum, the leftover materials often get incinerated in cement kilns, leading to significant waste.

That’s all changing now, thanks to recent developments in Europe.

1,300 Tonnes of Solar Panel Recycling

This year marks a milestone for sustainable energy in Europe, as the continent’s very first solar panel recycling plant opened its doors in France. This facility has already secured contracts to handle 1,300 tonnes of solar panels in 2018 alone. By 2022, the plant aims to ramp up its capacity to recycle an impressive 4,000 tonnes annually. Collaborating closely with PV Recycle France, a dedicated solar recycling organization, this initiative is setting the stage for a cleaner, more efficient future.

The driving force behind this project is Veolia, a prominent French water and waste management company. Veolia recognized the growing need for specialized recycling solutions as the first wave of aging photovoltaic panels began to flood the market. With this plant, they’ve established a much-needed infrastructure to manage the increasing volume of decommissioned solar panels.

The Advanced Recycling Process

Veolia’s state-of-the-art machinery is designed to dismantle solar panels meticulously, recovering every valuable material that can be reused. This includes glass, silicon, copper, silver, and various plastics. By extracting these resources, the plant ensures minimal waste and maximizes the potential for sustainable production.

Veolia envisions this model spreading globally, transforming solar panel recycling into an international standard. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) supports this vision, predicting that the value of recovered PV materials could reach $450 million (£343 million) by 2020, surging to over $15 billion (£11 billion) by 2050. This growth not only reflects the rising demand for renewable energy but also highlights the economic opportunities within the recycling sector.

Join the Green Revolution

The solar industry is evolving at lightning speed, and staying ahead of the curve is essential. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to upgrade your solar system or a business seeking eco-friendly solutions, now’s the time to take action. Get in touch with us today by calling 0800 112 3110 or filling out our enquiry form. Together, let’s pave the way toward a greener tomorrow—one panel at a time.