Local Solar Panel Recycling: The Best Options for Homeowners

As a homeowner, it’s great you are making the choice to recycle your solar panels once they reach the end of their life. Whether you have solar panels that are still operational and want to send them to be reused. finding local options will help keep costs low. Solar adoption is only growing, and preparing for end-of-life recycling by looking for local solar recycling options will help you significantly reduce landfill waste and facilitate the recovery of valuable materials, such as silicon and metals, that comprise the solar panels.

Depending on the quantity and condition of your residential solar panels, here are some tips to consider, as well as steps to follow.

How to find local recycling resources for inoperable residential solar panels

If you have a few panels that are no longer working and want to recycle them, you’ll want to identify local solar recycling resources. Earth911 is a helpful platform offering a searchable database to locate nearby recycling facilities that accept solar panels. 

Another option is to contact your local utility company and ask if they can provide insights into their recycling programs and the specific materials they accept.

With Producer Responsibility Programs on the rise, you can also check with your solar panel manufacturer and find out if they have a recycling or take-back program. We’re starting to see some solar installers partner with manufacturers in creating their own programs to support end-of-life panel recycling management. 

Make sure to consider transportation costs when searching for where to recycle or send your used residential solar panels 

When selecting a recycling facility, the goal is to find a recycling company located nearby that will reduce transportation costs and minimize the carbon footprint associated with disposal. Some recycling companies may have a network of local collection centers, making it more accessible for homeowners to drop off old panels easily.

What are some steps for recycling residential solar panels

Here are some steps you can follow to recycle your residential solar panels effectively. 

Step 1. Research and prepare to recycle residential solar panels

First, you want to determine if your residential panels still work and are eligible for donation or if they are inoperable and need to be recycled. 

You can call Habitat for Humanity Reuse Store, a local donation center, to determine if they will take your panels. The panels will either be donated or adopted by a home DIYer. If your panels are not fit for reuse, search for your nearest recycling facility that will accept them. Homeowners should look for reputable centers with the necessary certifications and environmental compliance with standards that follow SERI’s R2 protocols. You will need to contact these facilities and find out if they have specific requirements for accepting solar panels, including any necessary preparation steps.

Step 2. Preparing to remove used residential solar panels

Once you’ve chosen a recycling facility to send your used panels to, you will need to contact the original installer or hire an electrician to remove the solar panels safely. It is important to handle the panels delicately to remain safe and avoid damage during removal. After removal, the panels will need to be securely packed in appropriate containers for transportation to the recycling facility. The various components of the panels, such as glass and metals, will need to be separated before transportation.

Step 3 – Evaluate the condition of the used residential solar panels

The condition of the solar panels will need to be assessed to help determine whether the panels can be refurbished or reused or if recycling is the most appropriate option. Key considerations include checking for physical damage, wear and tear on components, and performance by comparing current energy output with original specifications.

Step 4 – Preparing the transportation of used residential solar panels

Planning your trip to recycle or donate your panels should make sense for you. Efficient transportation can minimize your time on the road and the carbon footprint associated with the lifecycle of your panels. Ensure the panels are strapped and banded properly before being transported using an appropriate vehicle, such as a flatbed truck or enclosed trailer, to keep them intact during transit.

Step 5 – Dismantling residential solar panels for the recycling process

Upon arrival at the recycling facility, the panels will undergo a dismantling process to separate different components. Specialized recycling facilities use a combination of manual labor and automated systems to efficiently break down the panels into their constituent parts, including glass, aluminum frames, copper wiring, and silicon cells. This step is crucial for maximizing resource recovery and minimizing waste sent to landfills.

These steps allow you as a homeowner to contribute to a sustainable approach to solar panel disposal and be the reason valuable materials that make up solar panels are recovered and reused.