How Solar Panel Recycling Works
GLOBALLY
of solar panels are currently recycled globally.
YEARS
is the typical lifespan of a solar panel.
RECLAIMED
of materials, like glass, can be reclaimed and reused.
How SRS Do it
At SRS, we specialise in the safe, efficient recycling of silicon-based PV panels, the most common technology in both domestic and commercial solar installations. These panels have high recovery potential for glass, aluminium, silicon, and plastics — all of which we keep within the UK supply chain.
Our state-of-the-art recycling process helps recover critical materials from retired solar panels, ensuring they don’t go to waste. With unique processes tailored to silicon-based solar panels, we make recycling efficient and effective.
We are also fortunate to have our own silicon recycling solution in-house that specialises in maximising recovery and refinement of silicon from waste materials.
Types of PV panels we can process
Monocrystalline Panels
Made from a single, continuous crystal structure, these panels are known for their high efficiency and long lifespan. We recover valuable glass, aluminium, silicon, and plastics from these units with minimal waste.
Polycrystalline Panels
Constructed from multiple silicon crystals, these panels are slightly less efficient than monocrystalline models but are widely used in large-scale solar farms. Our processes reclaim all core materials to high purity levels.
Bifacial Panels
These advanced panels capture sunlight on both the front and rear surfaces for greater energy yield. Our dismantling and separation systems are fully capable of handling their dual-glass design.
Other Silicon-Based Technologies
We also process newer silicon-based designs such as PERC (Passivated Emitter Rear Cell) panels, provided they meet our acceptance criteria.
Note: We do not process thin-film PV panels due to the presence of hazardous substances and the environmental risks associated with their chemical treatment.
Steps in Our Recycling Process
Frame Removal
The aluminium frame is separated and fully recycled, providing high-value material reuse.
Glass Separation
95% of the glass from the panel is reusable once our process has completed.
Mechanical Processing
The panels undergo a variety of processes, removing plastic components and separating cells.
Material Sorting
Remaining metals and semiconductors are separated for reuse, minimising landfill contributions.
Why Recycle Solar Panels?
Recycling solar panels is a critical part of creating a sustainable solar industry. Here are some key reasons why solar panel recycling is so important:
Reducing Waste
Solar panels have a lifespan of 25–30 years. Without recycling, millions of tons of panel waste could end up in landfills by 2050.
Preserving Resources
Many valuable and limited resources, including silicon, aluminium, and rare metals, can be reused in new panels or other products.
Protect the Environment
Recycling reduces the need for mining and manufacturing of new materials, both of which have environmental impacts.
Economic Benefits
Recycled materials can be resold, driving a sustainable supply chain and creating green jobs within the UK.
Find out what materials are recycled during our solar panel recycling process. If you are interested in the process , read more about it in “What happens to your solar waste” in our blog.