Recycling Photovoltaic Modules

PV modules contain materials that can be recovered and reused in either new PV modules or other new products. Industrial recycling processes exist for both thin-film and silicon modules. Materials such as glass, aluminium, as well as a variety of semiconductor materials, are valuable when recovered.

Recycling not only benefits the environment by reducing the volume of waste, but also helps to reduce the amount of energy required to provide raw materials and therefore the costs and environmental impacts of producing PV modules.

By recycling end-of-life modules, the PV industry enables the sustainable use of PV technology, furthering PV’s ability to help meet the energy needs while protecting the environment.