Many Australians install solar panels not only for economic benefits but also to reduce their own carbon footprint. Solar energy is clean and green, as electricity is produced by a renewable energy source (the sun) without emitting greenhouse gases.
Most solar panels will last for over 20 years, which means that you probably do not need to replace them very often. But you can’t expect solar panels to last forever. If you installed solar panels in the early 2000s, it may be time for a replacement.
So, what happens to the panels at the end of their life? Is it possible to recycle them?
Here is everything you need to know!
First of all: Why recycle?
Recycling is the process of converting waste (like old solar panels) into new materials or products, or even energy. The main reason for doing this is to reduce the need for using new natural resources and raw materials.
By recycling your waste, you can contribute to reducing the need to extract materials from vulnerable and finite natural resources. Examples of materials that can be recycled are metals, wood and paper.
Can solar panels be recycled?
Yes – or at least parts of them! As most solar panels sold in Australia are composed of aluminium, glass and plastic, it is possible to recycle several components. However, note that not all parts of the solar panels can be recycled.
In most cases, around 95% of your solar panels will be possible to recycle.
What parts of solar panels can be recycled?
Some parts of a solar panel are much easier to recycle than others. The solar panels are usually made of aluminium, plastic and glass, which is normally possible to recycle. However, the materials will need to be separated carefully before recycling is possible.
The junction box and aluminium frames of solar panels are normally the components that easily can be recycled.
When it comes to the rest of the solar panels, which typically will consist of silicon, glass and back sheeting of polymer, these materials must be separated by a licensed recycling plant with knowledge about solar panel recycling.
For instance, around 80% of crystalline silicon is possible to recover by using refined recycling techniques. Here are some of the solar panel components that are possible to recycle:
- Aluminium frames and junction boxes
- Glass
- Copper
- Silicon
- Silver paste
Where can you recycle solar panels in Australia?
Across Australia, you will be able to find designated recycling plants that will let you recycle your old solar panels. Among the recycling companies that may accept your solar panels, we can mention the following:
What does it cost to recycle solar panels?
In most cases, recycling will cost you somewhere between $10 and $20 per solar panel. In addition to this, you may be charged for extra services like removal from the roof and transport to the recycling plant.
Why not throw your solar panels in the landfill?
When you are getting rid of old solar panels, it may be tempting to just throw them like ordinary rubbish at the landfill. However, there is a good reason not to do so. Solar panels normally contain certain chemicals that are considered toxic, like lead.
The lead is useful when trapped inside the solar panels, as it will assist in the conversion of solar energy into electricity. But if the solar panels are left broken at the landfill, the toxic chemicals may leak.
To prevent hazardous damage to the environment, including humans and animals, it is important to always recycle your solar panels.
Is it possible to recycle solar batteries in Australia?
If you have a solar system that includes a solar battery, it is also possible to recycle this. The solar battery can be delivered as a lithium-ion battery to one of the many designated centres and recycling plants across Australia.
Lithium-ion can be hazardous to the environment, and it is important to make sure that the battery is handled with care when getting rid of it.
Recycle your solar panels
If you have solar panels that you would like to get rid of because they no longer function or suit your needs, it is important to recycle them properly.
By doing this you will be able to prevent toxic materials from leaking out into the environment. In addition to this, you can make sure as many components of the panels as possible can be used over again.
Your old solar panels can give life to new products, and vulnerable natural resources can be saved. Maybe they can become new solar panels one day?
Find your nearest solar recycling plant today, and get rid of your solar panels in a way that is not harmful to the planet.