Installing solar panels offers considerable environmental benefits. Not only do they generate clean, sustainable energy, but their end-of-life recovery and recycling rate is around 95%. An exceptional rate for electrical "waste"! This reality is even recognized by organizations such as Greenpeace.
Since 2016, manufacturers, importers and installers have been required to collect and recycle used solar panels free of charge. In France, consumers do not pay any additional charges when they make a purchase. However, it is essential to point out that if your installation dates from before 2016, you have no obligation to pay, regardless of your region of residence.
What parts of photovoltaic panels can be recycled?
Virtually all the components of a solar panel can be recycled. The glass, which makes up 80% of the panel, as well as the aluminum frame, silicon cells, copper and even theinverter, which is the central component of the system, are all subject to recycling. Each component is directed to its own recycling channel.
What materials are solar panels recycled from?
- Glass fiber, bottles, jars...
- Aluminum cans, among others
- Silicon in new photovoltaic cells, for example
- Copper is melted and reprocessed
The only exception is plastic junction boxes, which are not yet included in the recycling process.
Can all photovoltaic panels be recycled?
Currently, only solar panels made from silicon can be recycled in an environmentally-friendly way. The good news? These are the most widespread, accounting for 90% of photovoltaic panel installations. This figure is already significant, and is set to increase in the future.
However, the remaining 10% of panels are not necessarily considered "polluting" waste. In fact, panels containing selenium, cadmium or gallium require prior chemical treatment before shredding, enabling the materials to be separated for subsequent recycling.
Photovoltaic panels have a large carbon footprint?
Thecarbon footprint of solar panels has shrunk considerably in recent decades. According to the IPCC, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, their impact is now estimated at 27g of CO2 equivalent per kWh.
There's no doubt that recyclability has played a decisive role in reducing the ecological impact of photovoltaic panels.
How do I recycle a photovoltaic panel in France?
Two main methods are used to recycle solar panels in France: primary dismantling and secondary dismantling.
Primary dismantling involves separating the panel from its frame and connectors. In secondary dismantling, on the other hand, each component (glass, metals, silicon, etc.) is isolated layer by layer through a process of heat treatment followed by crushing.
In France, the eco-organization Soren (formerly PV Cycle) is responsible for collecting and recycling end-of-life or defective solar panels.
Interested? Contact us !
