Top 10 Solar Panel Recycling Companies: Driving Sustainability and Reducing Waste

Recovering valuable materials from damaged or decommissioned solar panels so they can be used to make new ones is known as solar panel recycling. In the context of solar energy, sustainability refers to meeting present energy demands while guaranteeing that future generations can do the same. Since sustainability can be integrated at every stage, from production to disposal, it is crucial to comprehend a solar panel’s life cycle in order to evaluate its environmental impact.

Renewable energy sources including solar, hydro, and wind have grown in popularity and are now both sources of innovation and alternatives to conventional power. In addition, emerging methods are increasing material reuse and sustainability, for instance, turning recovered glass into float glass advances recycling technology. Moreover, the percentage of sunlight that a solar panel can convert into energy is a measure of its efficiency; the most effective panels can convert up to 22% of sun rays into power.

The market for solar panels continues to rise due to government initiatives and laws. These programs encourage the use of solar energy, lower its cost, and promote technological development. Grants, tax exemptions, and subsidies for recycling programs can help make the process more profitable.

Fortune Business Insights estimates the market for solar panel recycling to reach the valuation of USD 2,489.52 million by 2032, with a significant CAGR of 31.75% over the projected period.

Fortune Business Insights Unveils its Top 10 Notable Solar Panel Recycling Players in Market

1. First Solar Inc.

The company is an American-based producer of solar panels and a supplier of utility-scale products. It also offers services including finance, recycling, maintenance, and construction. In December 2024, the company and Juniper Green Energy signed a deal to offer 1GW solar modules in several locations in India.

2. SunPower Corporation

The company is considered among the top-rated solar recycling companies in the U.S. It also provides solar products of high-quality for residential and commercial spaces. In June 2022, Solarcycle Inc. with the co-founders of SunPower and SolarCity introduced a solar system recycling platform and from number of investors, raising USD 6.6 million in growth funding.

3. Echo Environmental, LLC

Echo Environmental, LLC is an R2-certified in sustainability solutions and data sanitization, working globally. It supplies several solar-based products and services to the end-user customers. In February 2022, the company partnered with Comcast Cable, a subsidiary of Envela Corporation, to utilize a novel recycling resolution for end-of-life coaxial cables for  its customer with other products.

4. Reiling

A business that is family-owned produces and recycles solar panels and glass. The business operated into commercial vehicle services, recycling services, and logistics. In April 2024, the company launched its first recycling plant for solar modules with two breakthroughs that included the enhanced quality of solar glass coupled with the recovery of silicon which has been integrated on an industrial level.

5. Trina Solar

The company is among the top leading Chinese producers of solar deliveries. It deals under several products for residential, commercial applications, and utility. In December 2024, the Chinese producer introduced its latest i-TOPCon Ultra panel. This product is aimed for applications in utility-scale projects.

6. Canadian Solar

Canadian Solar Inc. is a provider for global renewable energy. The company offers battery energy storage solutions, produces solar PV modules, and creates utility-scale solar power and battery energy storage projects. In December 2024, the self-governing energy expert and assurance provider, DNV, completed an extensive technical evaluation of its eight latest solar photovoltaic modules from Canadian Solar.

7. Recycle PV Solar

The company is a renowned recycling services providers. It supplies solar recycling, Solar PV, Solar energy, plastic recycling, and many more in local regions. In January 2022, a warehousing and supply chain service, Solaris Global along with Recycle PV Solar, partnered to provide recycling and repurposing services for decommissioned solar plants.

8. Aurubis AG.

The company deals in non-ferrous metals nationwide and is among the world’s foremost solar panel and copper recyclers. The company processes composite scrap, metal concentrates, industrial residues, and organic & inorganic metal-bearing recycling materials into metals. In October 2019, the company extended its solar park and tank house at Bulgarian operations. With the installation of its solar park, the company will learn how to decarbonize and increase copper production by almost 50%.  

9. SOLON SE

The company is headquartered in Germany offering services and products associated with solar technology. The company is a prominent manufacturer of high-quality solar system rooftops and solar power modules for several end-users. In October 2024, the company delivered SOLON Black 130/04 solar modules to Bright Generation, which aims to develop advanced products. Bright Generation will utilize the product to single streamline system by combining solar thermal power and photovoltaics. 

10. Hanwha Group

The company was founded in 1952 and is among prominent businesses in South Korea. The group has expanded holdings in areas including aerospace, finance, clean energy, recycling, retail service, and many more. In September 2024, part of the Hanwha Group and Korea Zinc, Hanwha Q CELLS collaborated to address environmental issues by the solar panel recycling.

Advancing Solar Panel Recycling for a Greener Future

The primary factor in determining a solar panel’s clean energy source is still its recycling factor and even though the solar panel recycling industry is still in its early stages when compared to other recycling sectors, initiatives are underway to improve infrastructure and recycling technologies. Over time, innovations like enhanced chemical recovery and robotic disassembly should make recycling more affordable and effective. To make recycling easier, top solar panel recycling companies are using eco-friendly materials and modular designs. Recyclability is emphasized in engineering education programs, and creative solutions are stimulated by design contests. The goal of these initiatives is to control the increasing number of solar panels that are nearing the end of their useful lives, which is typically 25 to 30 years. An earlier development of environmentally friendly recycling will result in a healthier and environmental friendly future.