As solar power becomes more popular, the industry has reached the question of how to recycle solar panels once they reach the end of life stage.
Although, solar panels are reliable for up to decades and rarely need servicing, the recycling industry for the technology is really just beginning. A new European organisation, PV Cycle has been launched to develop an overall waste management scheme to deal with recycling PV modules and all accompanying technology.
Within Northern America, companies like PV Recycling LLC have begun to pop up to meet the growing need for solar panel recycling. These firms collect solar panels from businesses, householders and manufacturers and process the materials at specialised recycling facilities.
Crystalline solar panels, which are the most common, are comprised of very little components, but do contain aluminium, glass and silicon, all of which are precious resources that benefit from recycling. Over 90 per cent of the panel’s weight is recyclable and can be used to create new solar modules or new items altogether.
Australia has also begun to see a rise in solar panel recycling firms as the solar power industry booms with the nation. Many people have been purchasing solar power systems as government incentives and tariffs offer rewards for those taking advantage of renewable energy technologies.
As the global community makes a strong push toward renewables, technologies like solar power, wave power, and wind power create a growing industry for energy firms. As these items become mainstream equipment, the recycling industry will have to grow to adapt to its newest genre of recyclable materials.
|
|
