As the effects of climate change become more dire, the benefits of solar energy are now more widely known than ever.
Most people know that solar system power is an energy alternative that doesn’t produce pollution or emit greenhouse gases after panels are installed.
However, many people aren’t so familiar with solar panel recycling. Solar energy offers many benefits to the environment, but if solar panels aren’t properly recycled, they end up in landfills.
If you’re considering incorporating solar panels into your home or business, it is imperative that you understand how to recycle a solar panel.
ARE SOLAR PANELS BAD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT?
Solar energy is an abundant resource capable of generating clean, sustainable electricity. When done correctly, solar panels provide energy without contributing to pollution and global warming.
For one, there aren’t any global emissions associated with generating electricity through solar energy. Going solar avoids harmful impact just as much as it induces positive effects on the environment.
However, the main environmental concerns regarding solar panels come down to land and water use.
ARE SOLAR PANELS RECYCLABLE?
The short answer is: yes! The option to recycle solar panels is possible and available for those looking to discard their panels responsibly.
The majority of the materials contained in solar panels are recyclable, which include glass, plastic, aluminum, silicon, and metal. However, the process of recycling solar panels can be complicated, regardless of how much it’s encouraged, such as through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Luckily, new and improved methods for recycling solar panels are currently in research and development.
HOW SOLAR PANELS ARE RECYCLED
There are two main methods when it comes to solar panel recycling. One option is using chemicals and thermal energy. The other is mechanical recycling.
CHEMICAL RECYCLING
Chemical recycling requires a combination of heat and chemical treatments to separate the solar panel’s chemical components, and then recover the silicon they contain.
This process requires the use of hazardous gases, which makes it challenging for commercial use.
MECHANICAL RECYCLING
Mechanical recycling is a much simpler process than chemical recycling. This process involves taking apart the solar panel and recycling each component separately.
From there, the materials get crushed into a sand-like consistency, then magnets remove any valuable metals from the other materials.
SOLAR PANEL REUSE: CAN SOLAR PANELS BE REUSED?
Yes, you can reuse solar panels.
It’s often more economical to reuse or repurpose your old solar panels rather than recycle them. This is because reusing solar panels requires even less processing than recycling.
The average household uses 893 kWh of electricity every month. Solar panels that are 20 to 30 years old simply can’t provide that amount of power. But that doesn’t mean you should rush to get rid of them.
Older, reused, and low-efficiency solar panels are still effective for small-scale solar power needs. They can benefit off-grid system, solar charging devices, and even provide illumination for street signs.
Consider donating your older solar panels to a company that specializes in repurposing them. You could also donate your old panels to a friend or neighbor who might have use for them.
Another consideration is the usefulness of solar panels is not necessarily limited to the supply of electricity. There are many different DIY projects that incorporate old solar panels.
Want to build a greenhouse? Your solar panels are made of glass! Instead of investing in all-new materials, repurpose your solar panels by incorporating them into the structure of your greenhouse to keep your plants warm.
You can even consider taking along an old solar panel for your camping trips. Wouldn’t it be great to have access to electrical power when you’re camping remote?
