How MG Waste Management can support with the recycling of solar panels.
Here at MG Waste Management Ltd, we're excited to introduce our UK Wide solar panel recycling Service designed to make PV Panels a breeze for you.
With over 17,000 households in the UK embracing solar photovoltaic (PV) panels monthly in 2023 alone a critical question arises: what happens when these panels reach the end of their lifecycle? Are they destined to contribute to the climate crisis, or can they continue their eco-journey?
As the world increasingly shifts away from fossil fuels the global solar capacity is anticipated to surge over the next three decades. Projections by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) suggest that by 2050, the world's installed PV capacity will soar to 4,500 gigawatts (GW), a significant increase from the 222GW recorded at the close of 2015.
It's important to recognize that solar panels have a finite lifespan. The initial wave of installations dating back to the late 1990s and early 2000s, is anticipated to reach the end of their useful life by the 2030s. Without adequate recycling infrastructure in place there exists a genuine concern of landfills being inundated with obsolete panels.
In light of these projections it becomes imperative for corporate entities to prioritize the establishment of robust recycling mechanisms to responsibly manage end-of-life solar panels and mitigate environmental impact.
Why Choose MG Waste Management?
With over 15 years of experience handling waste of all types you could not choose a better comapny to fullfill your needs. We hold several WEEE specialist licences approved by the environment agency, the most important being an Approved Authorised Treatment Facility (AATF).
An AATF is a licensed ATF site carrying out the treatment of waste electrical and electronic waste. Treatment can include de-pollution, disassembly, shredding, recovery or preparation for disposal. See here for a list of certifications we hold.
Solar Panel Disposal Statistics
Solar recycling statistics underscore the critical need for proactive measures to address end-of-life management of solar panels:
Solar panels typically boast an average lifespan of 25 to 30 years.
According to estimates by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), global PV waste had accumulated to a range of 43,500 to 250,000 tonnes by 2016, representing less than 0.6% of the total panels installed, which stood at 4 million tonnes.
Alarmingly, approximately 90% of solar panels find their way to landfills with only about 10% being subjected to recycling processes.
Projections indicate a significant surge in waste streams, with annual predictions surpassing 5 million tonnes by 2050. This trajectory implies that cumulative PV waste could soar to a staggering 60 to 78 million tonnes.
By 2023, the potential value of recycled materials extracted from solar panels could amount to a substantial $15 billion. This funding could facilitate the production of up to 2 billion new solar panels.
Looking to 2030, recovered raw materials from solar panels are projected to be valued at approximately $450 million, potentially enabling the production of around 60 million new solar panels.
These figures underscore the immense economic and environmental opportunities associated with the effective recycling of solar panels. It's imperative for corporations to actively engage in sustainable practices to harness these benefits while mitigating the growing challenge of PV waste accumulation.
The recyclability of solar panels is indeed feasible given their composition primarily consisting of aluminium, silicon, and glass. These materials lend themselves well to the recycling process. However it is concerning that only 10% of solar panels undergo recycling, while a staggering 90% end up in landfills.
As the UK, alongside the global community progressively transitions towards renewable energy sources it would be regrettable to witness the wastage of these valuable materials, potentially exacerbating environmental challenges. The proliferation of solar energy presents a positive step forward, yet it also poses a significant risk if adequate measures for panel recycling are not implemented. Projections suggest that retired solar panels could occupy an area equivalent to 3,000 football pitches by 2030, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue.
The predominant reason for the high landfill rate of solar panels lies in the insufficient infrastructure for recycling. Until recently, the demand for solar panel recycling facilities was minimal, given that the first generation of panels only began reaching the end of their lifespan around 2016. With an estimated 4 million tonnes of PV installed globally by this time, all with a lifespan of 25 to 30 years, the need for enhanced infrastructure to accommodate the impending influx of retired panels in the 2030s is apparent.
Need help disposing of damaged or end of life solar panels?
At MG Waste Management we possess the requisite knowledge and expertise to proficiently handle the transportation and appropriate disposal of end of life PV Panels. We ensure strict adherence to the WEEE regulations & Our adept teams guarantee a seamless and legally compliant process. We prioritize safety at every stage of the operation.
Have an inquiry or need a callback?