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Recovered materials include copper, aluminium, silver, silicon, and glass.
Solar panel recycling could generate $6b in recovered materials by 2040 and exceed $20b by 2050, as more than 400 gigawatts of photovoltaic (PV) capacity reaches end-of-life, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) said.
Solar PV, which is amongst the most widely deployed renewable energy technologies, is expected to play a major role in the energy transition, accounting for half of global installed renewable capacity, IRENA said in its 12 August report.
The agency, however, cautioned that solar PV has a 25- to 30-year service life before panels are decommissioned.
“Consequently, the collection and treatment of future end-of-life solar PV panels within the next decade will require at least 120 000 trips of heavy-duty trucks to transport them and over 150 fully operational medium-sized treatment facilities,” the agency said.
IRENA said adopting a circular economy could prevent, minimise, and reuse waste streams from decommissioned solar panels whilst generating economic benefits.
More than 90% of materials, including copper, aluminium, silver, silicon, and glass, can be recovered from end-of-life solar PV panels, IRENA said, adding that recycling rate for valuable minerals could approach 100% with future technological advances.
Recovered materials can be traded in existing material markets and used to manufacture new industrial products, generating economic returns.
The circular economy could also create jobs. IRENA said solar PV accounted for 43% of renewable energy jobs in 2024, or more than 7.2 million jobs worldwide.
A Europe-based study cited by IRENA estimated that workforce training could generate 60 to 140 jobs per 1,000 tonnes of materials collected for e-waste reuse.
“In developing economies, waste collection, repair, reuse and recycling practices as part of the circular economy can generate income for those in the informal sector,” IRENA said.
The agency also noted that policy frameworks should factor in the health impacts of these practices and safeguard social benefits that can improve informal workers’ quality of life.
Whilst policy designs vary amongst markets, IRENA said frameworks should include labour policies, safety standards, and environmental protection measures to ensure workers’ health and safety.
“To ensure environmental goals are achieved and socio-economic benefits are gained, circular economy strategies for end-of-life panels also require engagement of various stakeholders across sectors,” IRENA said.
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