In the ever-evolving solar industry, sustainability doesn’t stop at installation—it extends to the responsible recycling of panels at the end of their lifecycle. Recently, we had the pleasure of welcoming SAS ENERGY, EDF Renewables’ C&I Solar Division to our state-of-the-art Solar Recycling Solutions (SRS) facility, where they witnessed first-hand how we recover 99% of materials from decommissioned solar panels, ensuring a truly circular economy.
The Challenge: What to Do with Faulty Solar Panels?
SAS ENERGY recently faced a significant challenge—867 solar panels needed replacing under warranty due to a manufacturer defect. The immediate concern was, what would happen to these panels once they were removed?
Many solar panels worldwide still end up in landfills, despite their valuable materials being recoverable. SAS ENERGY was determined to find a solution that guaranteed 100% zero-landfill disposal, ensuring their operations aligned with their commitment to environmental responsibility.
During their visit to SRS, the SAS ENERGY team got an up-close look at the intricate process of solar panel recycling. They explored how every component—from glass and silicon to metals and polymers—is carefully separated and repurposed for future use.
One of the standout moments was seeing our advanced machinery in action, designed to efficiently break down panels and extract materials without waste.
By following this method, we ensure that the recovered materials can be reintegrated into the supply chain, contributing to new solar panels, electronics, and construction materials—a perfect closed-loop system in action.
Our team, led by Bryan and Sal, walked the SAS ENERGY team through each stage of the process, explaining how our technology enables nearly 100% material recovery, setting a new industry benchmark for sustainability.
Why This Matters for the Future of Solar
This visit reinforced a crucial industry reality: Recycling solar panels is not just an option—it’s a necessity. As the UK moves towards its goal of 70 GW of solar capacity by 2035, the responsible management of decommissioned panels is essential.
By choosing SRS as their recycling partner, SAS ENERGY has taken a proactive step toward ensuring their operations remain truly sustainable, compliant, and aligned with circular economy principles. Their commitment to responsible recycling sets a gold standard for other commercial and industrial solar operators to follow.
A Shared Commitment to a Greener Future
At SRS, we are proud to collaborate with industry leaders like SAS ENERGY, who are dedicated to sustainability beyond installation.
This visit was more than just an educational tour—it was a powerful reminder that the future of solar energy relies not only on expansion but also on responsible end-of-life management.
We extend our thanks to the SAS ENERGY team for their visit and for sharing our enthusiasm for recycling and circularity. Together, we continue to push the industry forward, ensuring that solar power remains not just renewable—but truly sustainable.
For more information on how SRS can help your business responsibly recycle solar panels, contact us at enquiries@ubhgroup.co.uk.
