What happens when solar energy panels reach the end of their life cycle?

In the past, environmental experts were concerned about the potential explosion of solar energy panels, fearing that these products would become a massive technological waste when they reach the end of their life cycle. However, this issue is now being addressed through a new method that not only brings economic efficiency but also cleans the environment.

Life Cycle of a Solar Panel

Typically, solar panels have a lifespan of about 30 years, and for premium products like Canadian Solar, this figure can extend to over 35 years. Therefore, without a recycling process for these products, an additional 60 million tons of technological waste could end up in landfills by 2050, indirectly making solar energy less environmentally friendly than initially thought.

France takes the Lead in addressing clean energy concerns

In a 2016 study on solar panel recycling, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) stated that, in the long term, establishing specialized PV recycling plants is very meaningful. IRENA estimated that recovered materials could be worth $450 million by 2030 and over $15 billion by 2050.

Responding to this trend prediction, in 2018, Veolia, a French waste and wastewater treatment group, launched Europe’s first solar panel recycling plant. Located in Rousset, southern France, the new plant signed its first contract with the PV Cycle France Solar Panel Recycling Organization to recycle 1,300 tons of solar panels in 2018, with the capacity expected to increase to 4,000 tons by 2022.

How does recycling work?

Before delving into the principle of solar panel recycling, let’s briefly understand the structure of this technological device. A typical silicon crystal solar panel is composed of 65-75% glass, 10-15% aluminum for the frame, 10% plastic, and only 3-5% silicon. With current technology, recycling efficiency can reach up to 96%, completely reclaiming this waste. The operating principle is as follows:

Investing with confidence in clean energy

According to energy forecast experts, within the next decade, solar panel recycling plants will become widespread in Asia, including Vietnam. Therefore, there is no need to worry excessively about this type of equipment becoming a major source of waste in the future. If you are ready to use clean energy, contact us at the toll-free hotline 1800 6567, and DAT Solar engineers will advise on a solar energy solution tailored to your home or business.