How to Recycle PV Solar Panel Modules

Solar panels like any other product or appliance come with an expiration date. The material has a shelf life of about 30 years or more but begins to deteriorate after long-term use. Solar panels under normal operating conditions eventually reach end-of-life status, which establishes a need for disposal. There are a few options to get rid of unwanted inverters and other items such as solar mounting gear. Those looking to get rid of the scrap can recycle PV solar panel modules or store them.

A USA solar panel recycling company must have the appropriate expertise and credentials to recycle the material. A good place to start your research might be the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) website.

1. This trade association “embodies the innovation and entrepreneurship that defines solar energy.”
2. SEIA members represent North America’s top solar panel installers, decommissioning companies, and recycling companies. The membership experiences significant growth.

American homes and commercial buildings installed more than one million installations of solar panels nationwide in 2016.

In about 30 years, a wave of panels may reach the end of their lifespans, excluding the hundreds of millions of panels that flooded the U.S. market in the last decade that may need to be disposed of sooner.

Recycling Solar Panels

Solar panels contribute to the earth’s sustainable development. Solar-powered photovoltaic (PV) panels convert the sun’s rays into electricity by transferring electrons in silicon cells using the photons of light from the sun.

They are a sustainable source of energy, reliant only on solar radiation, and capable of delivering electricity to homes and businesses. However, the panels eventually fail to perform efficiently.

When scrappers recycle PV solar panel modules, it helps recover over 80 percent of a crystalline silicon unit from each solar panel. Examples of other recyclable parts of a solar panel are:

• Electric junction boxes
• Glass and plastics
• Aluminum frames and brackets

In fact, if recycling processes were not established, there would be 60 million tons of PV panels waste lying in landfills by the year 2050; toxic substances would then distribute from the PV cells changing the sustainability of the product.

Interco recycles solar panels according to their types. The two main types at present categorize as silicon-based or thin-filmed panels.

Silicon-based solar cells are the most popular solar cells in use due to their stability; it provides efficiencies in the range of 15% to 25%, it relies on established process technologies with an enormous database, and, in general, it has proven to be reliable.

Since the solar industry is relatively new, recycling solar panels may not be that prominent in most countries. In the United States, Interco leads the way in how to recycle PV solar panel modules.

Choose Interco to Recycle PV Solar Panels

There are a few options to get rid of unwanted inverters and other items such as solar mounting gear. The importance of recycling solar panels increases every day. Additionally, Interco is a leader in solar panel recycling in the United States. The company recycles solar panels from across North America. Even solar panels from the Caribbean find their way to Interco for recycling. Interco often handles the domestic and international logistics services and recycles solar panels from Hawaii as well. To learn more about the services offered, contact Interco here.

Sell Scrap PV Solar Panel Modules

Anyone who works with solar energy is mindful of the advantages solar energy offers to the environment and communities nationwide. The U.S. has more than 2 million solar installations.

Furthermore, solar panels convert the sun’s rays into electricity by transferring electrons in silicon cells using the photons of light from the sun. They are used as a sustainable source of energy and can deliver electricity to homes and businesses.

With the average shelf life of a solar panel at roughly 20 years, installations from the early 2000s are on track to reach end-of-life status. In addition, solar panels contribute to the earth’s sustainable development. They are a natural source of energy, contingent only on solar radiation, and skilled in providing electricity to homes and businesses. However, the panels eventually fail to perform efficiently. The presence of hazardous materials in these solar panels can result in significant pollution and health issues. Companies use solar panels to be green, so to continue that loop, the next step is to recycle the solar panels themselves. Therefore, companies that have them should sell scrap PV solar panel modules to a recycler.

Recyclers sell scrap PV solar panels modules because they are heavy. The main contributors to the total weight are:

• Glass
• Polymer
• Aluminum
• Silicon
• Copper
• Small amounts of silver, tin, and lead

A USA solar panel recycling company must have the appropriate expertise and credentials to recycle the material. A good place to start your research might be the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) website.

1. This trade association “embodies the innovation and entrepreneurship that defines solar energy.”
2. SEIA members represent North America’s top solar panel installers, decommissioning companies, and recycling companies. The membership experiences significant growth.

About Where to Sell Scrap PV Solar Panel Modules

Interco is a global recycling company providing metals, computers, and electronics recycling services to industrial, dealer, and government organizations. The company specializes in the placement of smelter-ready materials throughout the world utilizing established partnerships with end consumers in the United States, Europe, and Asia.

Furthermore, Interco offers creative solutions, competitive pricing, and quality service throughout the supply chain. The company has been an industry leader with a focused track record of innovation and integrity in since 1996.

Also, there are two main types of solar panels that Interco recycles and they are silicon-based or thin-filed panels. The silicon-based panels are more stable because they rely on established process technologies with an enormous database.

Sell Your Scrap PV Solar Panel Modules

When you sell scrap PV solar panel modules to Interco, it is in good hands as Interco leads the way in how to recycle PV solar panel modules.

Interco is an ISO 45001 Occupational Health & Safety Assessment Series Management System certified company. Which recognizes and manages potential health and safety risks throughout the company and the diverging supply chain. The ISO 45001 standard is internationally accepted as the highest standard of health and safety management in existence.

Additionally, Interco is within proximity to four major interstates (I-44, I-55, I-64, and I-70). While centrally located just across the Mississippi River from St. Louis, Missouri in Madison, Illinois. The company offers a convenient delivery location that intersects all of the Midwest and Central USA.

Also, The company was one of the very first certified R2v3 recyclers in the world.

Interco Buys Scrap PV Solar Panel Modules

Overall, recycling solar panels is relatively new, and there are a few options to get rid of or to sell scrap PV solar panel modules. Interco leads the way in how to recycle PV solar panel modules. Through their process, it is easy and simple. Interco’s facility is comprised of five buildings — roughly 400,000 square feet total — on more than 35 acres. The facility has over 20 inbound and outbound docks for receiving and shipping nonferrous scrap material as well as a railroad rail spur to load rail cars.  

The Interco team is able to ship and receive more than 25 loads per 8-hour shift, averaging just over 19 minutes per load. With a staff of 100 full time employees, Interco receives, processes, upgrades, repackages and ships approximately 15,000 tons of material monthly. We lead the way in terms of innovative industrial recycling solutions and will work with you to satisfy any of your scrap nonferrous metals and eScrap recycling needs. To learn more about Interco, click here.

Interco Recycles Solar Panels

The global interest in renewable energy sources over the past few decades has caused a rapid increase in solar technology. As a result, the need for effective, environmentally friendly, end of life management for scrap solar panels is increasing. Interco has been recycling solar panels and other electronics around the world since 1996. Currently, the company recycles PV cells according to type yielding almost a 90% return of reusable materials. Utility companies, solar panel producers and decommissioning services, and roofing companies all rely on Interco to recycle solar panels.

The Need for Scrap Solar Panel Recycling

The installation of about 70% of the world’s solar panels has occurred within the past five years. Given their predicted lifespan of 30-35 years, most solar panels have not yet entered the waste stream. Occasionally, weather damage and accidents during production, shipment, and installation, can cause a premature need for recycling services. Often damaged panels end up in a landfill due to the expense associated with recycling them. A lack of federal regulations on solar panel disposal also contributes to low recycling rates. Without recycling processes, an estimated 60 million tons of scrap solar panels will end up in landfills by 2050. As a result, demand for solar panel recycling facilities will rapidly increase over the next thirty years.

Interco’s Solar Panel Recycling Facility

Solar panels arrive by rail or truck to Interco’s facility, where over 250,000 scrap solar panels are processed each year. There are 7 buildings across 45 acres of the company’s 400,000 square foot recycling facility. Interco’s central location on the Illinois side of St. Louis, across the Mississippi from the Gateway Arch, serves the USA, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America. With over 25 years of experience in recycling e-scrap, Interco’s original recycling processes include pending patents for several recycling techniques. Furthermore, Interco demonstrates a commitment to the focus on the environmental impact of electronics recycling. The company was the second electronics recycling company in the world to achieve the R2v3 Standard Certification.

Interco Recycles PV Cells

Interco recycles PV cells using processes to recover as much material from the solar panels as possible. Different methods are used to recycle pv cells according to their type: silicon based or thin-film based. Crystalline-silicon panels make up the majority of the solar market. Recycling of crystalline-silicon panels relies on some, or all, of the following steps.

1. First, the aluminum frame and junction box are removed from the solar panel. After separation, the junction boxes and inverters are recycled according to escrap recycling procedures.
2. Afterwards, thermal, mechanical, or chemical processes break about the glass and silicon wafer. The recycled glass becomes an aggregate material and used in industrial, commercial, and residential applications.  
3. In some cases, silicon cells and specialty metals undergo separation and purification using chemical and electrical techniques. Specialty metals include silver, tin, lead, and copper. Smelters receive these metals and reclaim them for other purposes.

Recycle Solar Panels for Future Financial Gains

Glass and aluminum make up the majority of solar panel material. Solar panels also contain copper, silver, and small amounts of lethal heavy metals such as cadmium and lead. In addition, some solar panels contain materials like gallium and indium, rare elements that are expensive to mine and in short supply. By 2030, the estimated total value of recoverable raw materials from scrap solar panels will be about $450 million. This is the equal to the cost of raw materials currently needed to produce about 60 million new panels. In the end, manufacturers will be able to make new panel products using conserved gallium and indium. As a result, conserving these precious metals can lessen supply chain constraints ultimately lowering the cost of solar technology. In short, solar panel recycling can help finance the future growth of the solar power industry.

Choose Interco for Solar Panel Recycling

As of result of increasing reliance on solar technologies, there will be a dire need for solar panel recycling facilities. Recycling solar panels contributes to both a company’s financial gains and their positive green impact. For instance, it eliminates waste in landfills. It also provides an economic opportunity for growth by reducing the need to mine for costly rare metals. Therefore, solar panel installers, manufacturers, and utility companies across the United States use Interco’s trusted facilities to recycle solar panels.

Scrap PV Solar Panel Modules Disposal Services

Solar Panels, under normal operating conditions, can last between 20 to 30 years. Solar panels convert the sun’s rays into electricity by transferring electrons in silicon cells using the photons of light from the sun. They are used as a sustainable source of energy and can deliver electricity to homes and businesses. Scrap PV Solar panel modules disposal services enable those seeking to get rid of their scrap solar panels to earn a cash.

Eventually, these solar panels will reach end-of-life status where they will need to be disposed of. Solar panels contain valuable copper and aluminum components that increase the value of the material. Solar panels also contain glass, polymer, silicon and small amounts of silver, tin and lead.

When solar panels need a replacement or are damaged, the scrap is left to pile up. Here is what you can do with your unwanted PV solar panel modules:

1. Scrap PV Solar Panel Modules Disposal Services
2. Repurpose the solar panels
3. Store the solar panels

Option 1: Scrap PV Solar Panel Modules Disposal Services

Recycling is the process of gathering and processing materials that would otherwise be thrown away as trash and turning them into new products. Scrap PV Solar panel modules disposal services allow those looking to get rid of their scrap to earn a profit.

The process of buying and selling solar panels is easy and efficient with Interco. Recyclers buy these solar panels because they contain:

• Glass
• Polymer
• Aluminum
• Silicon
• Copper
• Small amounts of silver, tin, and lead

Option 2: Repurpose the solar panels

Solar panels convert energy using the sun and just because they reach end-of-life status does not mean they will stop converting energy. You can use them as a power source for a smaller project or as a replacement panel.

Option 3: Store them

Another option is to not get rid of the solar panels, but to store them. While this option does not get rid of your solar panel modules, it allows you to continue researching a plan of action. While storing a pile of scrap is not ideal, it is not typically dangerous when done in a dry location.

About Interco

Solar panels are recyclable after separating the materials. So, both buyers and sellers can earn a profit. Interco recycles several pounds of solar panels each year.  The organization is a global recycling company providing recycling services to industrial, dealer, and government organizations. Furthermore,  the company specializes in the placement of smelter-ready materials throughout the world utilizing established partnerships with end consumers in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Four patent-pending material processing plants give Interco the capacity to process more than 10 million pounds of computers, electronics, batteries, solar panels, and alternative energy generation and storage equipment on a monthly basis.

The company offers creative solutions, competitive pricing, and quality service throughout the supply chain. The business has been an industry leader providing metals, computers, and electronics recycling services with a focused track record of innovation and integrity in since 1996.

Interco, as an ISO 45001 Occupational Health & Safety Assessment Series Management System certified company, recognizes and manages potential health and safety risks throughout the company and the diverging supply chain. The ISO 45001 standard is internationally accepted as the highest standard of health and safety management in existence.

The organization is within proximity to four major interstates (I-44, I-55, I-64, and I-70). While centrally located just across the Mississippi River from St. Louis, Missouri in Madison, Illinois. The company offers a convenient delivery location as the facility is near four major interstates (I-44, I-55, I-64, and I-70) that intersect all of the Midwest and Central USA.

Also, the company was one of the very first certified R2v3 recyclers in the world.

Interco Offers Scrap PV Solar Panel Modules Disposal Services

Overall, solar panels convert energy using the sun. As they reach end-of-life status, they will need to be disposed of. There are a few options to consider when disposing of your old solar panels. Solar Panel recycling reuses valuable materials, reduces solid waste, reduces overall pollution, and more. Interco accepts scrap PV solar panel modules to recycle them properly. Interco’s facility is comprised of five buildings — roughly 400,000 square feet total — on more than 35 acres.

The facility has over 20 inbound and outbound docks for receiving and shipping nonferrous scrap material as well as a railroad rail spur to load rail cars.  The Interco team is able to ship and receive more than 25 loads per 8-hour shift, averaging just over 19 minutes per load. With a staff of 100 full time employees, Interco receives, processes, upgrades, repackages and ships approximately 15,000 tons of material monthly. We lead the way in terms of innovative industrial recycling solutions and will work with you to satisfy any of your scrap nonferrous metals and eScrap recycling needs. To learn more about Interco, click here

Who Recycles Scrap PV Solar Panel Modules Near Me?

Solar panels contribute to the earth’s sustainable development. Furthermore, solar-powered photovoltaic (PV) panels convert the sun’s rays into electricity by transferring electrons in silicon cells using the photons of light from the sun. They are a sustainable source of energy, reliant only on solar radiation, and capable of delivering electricity to homes and businesses. So, companies that work with solar panels may question, “Who recycles scrap PV solar panel modules near me?”

Like all things solar panels have an expiration date, where they fail to perform efficiently. In addition, there were 2 million installations of solar panels in the Unites States in the early 2000s. This means that these panels will be reaching the end of their lives soon, as they have a lifespan of about 30 years. Similarly, scrap piles will increase drastically for companies.

Solar panels also need to be recycled properly, or their toxic components will leak in landfills and cause other problems. For example, the toxic metals in solar panels are lead and cadmium. If these metals leak in landfills and enter our drinking water, lead causes problems with the human nervous system and cadmium can cause cancer.

A good place to start might be the Solar Energy Industries Association Website.

This trade association “embodies the innovation and entrepreneurship that defines solar energy”

SEIA members represent North America’s top solar panel installers, decommissioning companies and recycling companies. This membership experiences significant growth.

Interco is Who Recycles Scrap PV Solar Panel Modules Near Me

Interco is a global recycling company providing metals, computers, and electronics recycling services to industrial, dealer, and government organizations throughout the western hemisphere. Furthermore, the company specializes in the placement of smelter-ready materials throughout the world utilizing established partnerships with end consumers in the United States, Europe, and Asia.

The company has been a member of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc. (ISRI) since 1996.

Moreover, ISRI is the voice of the recycling industry advocating safe, economically sustainable, and environmentally responsible recycling through networking, advocacy, and education.

Interco processes more than 1,000 tons of scrap solar panel modules each month. Solar panel recycling is important for the environment. Additionally, through reuse and recycling, solar panel recycling can reduce what goes to the landfill, reduce waste, and save on energy used to produce materials.

How to Recycle Solar Panels

Using a recycler center, guarantees proper recycling of solar panels. Also, we recycle solar panels according to their types. The two types we recycle are silicon-based and thin-filmed panels. As a result, there are two main methods of recycling solar panels:

Silicon Based Solar Panel Recycling

1. Recycling silicon-based solar panels begins with the dismantling of the panels. This process separates its aluminum and glass. Both materials are individually recyclable.
2. Then, they subject the rest of the modules to a temperature of 500◦ Celsius. This takes place in a thermal processing unit to ease the bonds between the cell elements.
3. Once the heat is applied, the plastic evaporates. This leaves the silicon cells for processing.
4. After the heat treatment, the melting process separates the hardware. The separate the hardware, which is 80 percent reusable, from the silicon particles.
5. As a result, material is ready for use in the new silicon modules.

Thin-Film Based Solar Panel Recycling

• Recycling solar panels of this type speeds up the process. It completes the process faster and more drastically.
• Machines shred the thin film-based panels from the mill the material. This ensures all particles are approximately 4-5 mm in size.
• Unlike silicon-based panels, a rotating screw separates the remaining solid and liquid materials.
• Consequently, the process purifies liquids through precipitation. It also separates them from the semiconductor materials through a metal processor.
• Recyclers remove the contaminated solid materials containing inter-layer materials. Furthermore, a vibrating surface separates these materials.
• Approximately 90% of these materials are reintroduced. Most can be used in the re-manufacturing processes.

Silicon-based panels are more widely used than thin-filmed based panels. This is because silicon-based panels use process technologies with a huge database. This makes them more reliable.

Recycling centers buy these damaged or old solar panels to recycle. Recycling solar panels helps recover over 80 percent of a crystalline silicon unit from each solar panel. It also recovers electric junction boxes, glass and plastics, aluminum frames and brackets.

Without recycling, these scrap solar panels will cause more landfills. Recycling centers, when recycling solar panels, are assisting to reduce landfills, protect natural resources and reduce overall pollution.

The Answer to Who Recycles PV Solar Panel Modules Near Me?

Overall, solar panels are going to reach end-of-life status, at a high volume, in a few years. Companies will need to decide on how to handle it. They will need an answer to “who recycles scrap PV solar panel modules near me?” And the answer is Interco. Interco is a leader in solar panel recycling in the United States. The company recycles solar panels from across North America.

Even solar panels from the Caribbean find their way to Interco for recycling. Interco often handles the domestic and international logistics services and recycles solar panels from Hawaii as well. The importance of recycling solar panels increases every day. To learn more about who recycles scrap PV solar panels near me, click here.