Your guide to solar panel recycling

Why Solar Panels Should Be Recycled

While solar power is a green, renewable energy source, the manufacturing of solar panels still requires the use of energy and materials and contributes to the production of harmful byproducts. In order to make solar installation and the manufacturing of solar panels cleaner and more eco-friendly, we should recycle solar panels to render their waste harmless. Even without recycling solar panels, solar energy is still much more environmentally friendly than fossil fuels, but the recycling process closes the loop and ensures your solar installation is as green as possible.

When to Recycle Solar Panels

Most solar panels last for about 25-30 years and should be replaced with a new solar panel installation at that time. Their lifetime depends upon the weather conditions in your area and any damage or maintenance issues that may occur that can’t be repaired. However, if you notice that the efficiency of your solar panel installation has decreased over time to the point where you aren’t getting enough power to your home, you should consider a new solar panel installation. At that time, you can contact a company to recycle your old solar panels.

How Solar Panels Are Recycled

In order to have the best outcome when you recycle solar panels in GA & NC, as much material as possible should be recovered from the solar panels. In general, the process to recycle solar panels is:

• Remove the solar panel frame and junction box
• Separate the glass and silicon using thermal, chemical, or mechanical processes
• Separate and purify the silicon cells and specialty metals using electrical and chemical techniques

Can Solar Panels Be Reused?

In addition to solar panel recycling in GA & NC, solar panels can also sometimes be reused, either directly or after refurbishment. Reusing solar panels gives them another chance to continue providing solar energy. Solar panels can be reused to power electric bikes, vehicle charging stations, or smaller appliances.

Where Can I Learn More About Solar Panel Recycling? 

You can learn more about how to recycle solar panels in GA  by visiting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s website. The EPA also offers information about solar panel recycling regulations and management. To find a place to recycle your solar panels in GA, you can contact a national solar panel recycling organization, or ask the local solar power company that completed your solar panel installation for a recommendation.

Contact Us to Learn More

To learn more about our company or the benefits of solar installation, contact us at Better Tomorrow Solar. We provide affordable local solar power and solar panel installation for homes and businesses in Georgia and surrounding areas. Get a free quote for solar panel installation today by calling us or contacting us online.