Solution
The largest component, forming the top protective layer.
Frame & structural supports, 100% recyclable.
Photovoltaic core that converts sunlight into electricity.
Encases & protects the cells from weather & damage.
Solution Background
Under normal circumstances, the lifespan of a batch of solar photovoltaic panels is approximately 25 years. With the development of emerging technologies and rapid product changes, the first batch of photovoltaic panels may be obsolete by 2025, and by 2050, approximately 9.57 million tons of obsolete solar panels will be generated. Therefore, recycling waste photovoltaic panels will attract increasing attention.
Solar panels contain high levels of components such as glass, aluminum, adhesives, silicon, and silver, as well as rare metals such as cadmium and gallium, making them highly valuable for resource utilization. APEX’s equipment recycles waste photovoltaic panels through automatic dismantling, crushing, and sorting, thereby achieving the goal of recovering useful components.
Steps in Our Recycling Process
Frame Removal
The aluminium frame is separated and fully recycled, providing high-value material reuse.
Glass Separation
95% of the glass from the panel is reusable once our process has completed.
Mechanical Processing
The panels undergo a variety of processes, removing plastic components and separating cells.
Material Sorting
Remaining metals and semiconductors are separated for reuse, minimising landfill contributions.
Why Recycle Solar Panels?
Reducing Waste
Solar panels have a lifespan of 25–30 years. Without recycling, millions of tons of panel waste could end up in landfills by 2050.
Preserving Resources
Many valuable and limited resources, including silicon, aluminium, and rare metals, can be reused in new panels or other products.
Protect the Environment
Recycling reduces the need for mining and manufacturing of new materials, both of which have environmental impacts.
Economic Benefits
Recycled materials can be resold, driving a sustainable supply chain and creating green jobs within the UK.
Recovered Materials & Their Uses
Glass
95% of glass is reclaimed, ready for reuse in new products.
Metals
Aluminium frames, silver (0.05%) copper wiring (2%) components are fully recycled.
Silicon (3%)
Silicon wafers are processed and reconditioned for potential reuse in new panels.
Plastics
Recovered from encasings and cables
Solar Panel Types Eligible for Material Recovery
Retirement date (25-year design life)
Power degradation > 60% – Scrapped
Faulty boards exhibiting cracking, delamination, hot spots, or water ingress
Power plant renovation or relocation – Retiring in-service modules