Solar Power Growth Raises Need for Panel Recycling Programs

While it’s not the Sunshine State, California is the one leading the way for solar panel installations and utilizing solar energy in the U.S. However, solar energy brings its own issues when devices reach the end of their lifespan.

California has installed solar panels to produce 11,000 MW which makes up the amount of electricity needed to power Los Angeles County. But when these panels reach the end of their lifespan, the challenge becomes being able to recycle the devices.

The solar industry in the United States is working to develop ways to recover the valuable materials from solar panels that have been decommissioned. This would minimize the disposal of hazardous components. Dedicated recycling facilities that would handle solar panel waste are on the way as efforts move forward to prevent future issues.

The United States is estimated to lead the way for solar power in North America by 2030 with an estimated capacity of 240 gigawatts. Of course, with more devices and panels, comes more waste. Experts predict that, by 2030, there will be between 170,000 and 1 million metric tons of solar panel waste.

With new facilities, programs, and processes for recycling solar panels and the waste that comes with them, California and the rest of the solar industry will open a path for responsible and environmentally conscious practices that will help expand the solar energy industry.

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