Solar Panel Recycling
Table of Contents
What Is Sustainable Green Recycling?
We Make Sure You Are in Compliance
What Are Solar Panels Made Of?
The green revolution has arrived in California. Solar panels have become ever cheaper and more popular, with many businesses and households purchasing them. The downside is that solar panels have a limited lifespan. At the end of that lifespan, solar panels require specialist handling to recycle. Due to a new California law, most solar panels must be recycled by a certified recycling company; they cannot be thrown away like standard trash.
Solar Panel Recycling is a company that specializes in recycling solar panels and will ensure your old or broken solar panels are recycled safely and sustainably.
What Is Sustainable Green Recycling?
The Other Guys
Some unregulated ‘recyclers’ may offer low prices to dispose of your old or damaged solar panels. Unfortunately, if a destruction company is not properly certified, there is a good chance they are just tossing the toxic materials into a landfill and calling it a day. Given the toxic components within solar cells, this can have a detrimental impact on the environment and the health of people who live around landfills. Worse, if you use their services, you and your company may be held liable for damage done by your former property after it is out of your hands.
Safe and Secure Solar Panel Recycling
Solar Panel Recycling is a different kind of recycling company. We recycle the vast majority of solar cells by dismantling them into their component parts in a safe, well-regulated complex. We sort the various materials within the panels and ensure as little as possible goes to landfills.
Starting February 1, 2021, we will provide solar manufacturers, installers, and solar contractors a safe place to dispose of large quantities of old panels in a way that is safe for the environment and fully compliant with California law.
We Make Sure You Are in Compliance
California’s laws surrounding solar panels, recycling regulations, safety regulations, and more are complex. Fortunately, when you partner with Solar Panel Recycling, we take care of all of that for you. We are the experts; you can leave it in our hands.
We ensure that your old solar panels are disposed of in a manner that complies with all applicable California and USA recycling regulations. In addition, we make sure your solar modules and panels do not end up on the grey or black markets, which can leave your company liable. We also ensure you get the maximum redeemable value from your old, broken, or otherwise non-functional panels.
What Are Solar Panels Made of?
Solar panels have a series of components that can be recycled, but some may be hazardous if not disposed of properly. Solar panel parts may include:
Monocrystalline, Polycrystalline, and Assorted Thin Film PV Cells
We are experts at recycling these components and have over 10 years of experience getting the most value out of them while ensuring minimal environmental impact.
Batteries
Batteries contain a series of highly toxic and corrosive substances that must be recycled by experts. When improperly disposed of, batteries can leak these substances into the environment and do significant damage. We can recycle batteries in massive quantities, and our regulatory compliant policies ensure virtually nothing makes it to the landfill.
Inverters
Inverters, like most e-waste, are recycled by removing the valuable and toxic materials from the device. We ensure that our clients receive the maximum value from their discarded devices while complying with state and international guidelines.
Mounts and Racks
Unlike most other solar recycling companies, we don’t just recycle hazardous materials. We also recycle the mounts and racks that hold the solar panels. This lets us act as a one-stop-shop for people looking to get rid of solar panels entirely, whether that’s one panel or hundreds of them.
Have more questions about Recycling your solar panels?
Which Solar Panel Elements Need Specialized Care?
A solar panel is a complex equipment array that is comprised of several elements that are toxic to the environment if disposed of improperly. For this reason, California law now requires that most solar panels be disposed of by regulated recyclers like Solar Panel Recycling.
Some Dangerous Elements Within Solar Panels Include:
- Arsenic
- Cadmium
- Copper
- Lead
- Silicone
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panel Recycling
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What are the lifespans of most solar panels?
Most solar panels last between 20 and 30 years under normal conditions. The lifespan may vary slightly based on the brand of solar panel, but in general, it is safe to assume that your panels will function for at least 20 years with minimal maintenance.
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How do I get my solar panels recycled?
The first step in recycling a solar panel is to contact a certified solar panel recycling company like Solar Panel Recycling. We can answer most of your questions on the phone, online, or via email.
Before you contact us, you should know how many panels you plan to recycle and basic information about them, such as where they are located, how old they are, and when you would like to remove them. This will make it easier for us to give you the information you need to make recycling your panels quick and easy.
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Are solar panels toxic to dispose of?
Under California law, solar panels are classified as a form of hazardous waste when they no longer function. Therefore, it is illegal to dispose of them in a landfill as though they were universal waste because they may harm the environment. While the toxicity of solar panels wasn’t previously known, recycling them in a responsible manner is an important environmental issue.
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How does solar panel waste damage the environment?
Damaged and end-of-life solar panels are hazardous waste because of the potentially harmful elements and components within the panels. The lead and cadmium used in the panels are carcinogenic, meaning they can cause cancer. As solar panels begin to break down in landfills, these and other harmful elements can drain into the soil and water, poisoning nearby land and water supplies.
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Can I break up my solar panels myself?
Not only is it illegal to break up hazardous waste without authorization, but it is also hazardous to do so without the training, tools, and facilities maintained by companies like Solar Panel Recycling. Individuals and companies should refrain from breaking down or destroying solar panels to ensure their own safety and for legal reasons. If you discover that solar panels on your property have been damaged, you should contact either the manufacturer or us right away.
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Can I store my used solar panels and recycle them all at once?
Depending on how much other hazardous waste your company produces and stores on the premises, you may be able to store used solar panels on your property for up to 90 days from the start of generation contingent on circumstances as defined by the Department of Toxic Substances Control in Chapter 12 of Title 22, California Code of Regulations, section 66262.34.
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Is it mandatory to have solar panels in California?
California became the first state in the US to make solar panels mandatory for newly built houses. According to a state mandate that went into effect in 2020, newly constructed homes must have solar panels. This also means that many homes and businesses will be looking for solar panel recyclers within the next 20 to 30 years as these required panels age.