Bifacial solar panel recycling coming online in U.S. via SPR
SolarPanelRecycling.com (SPR) is opening the first solar panel recycling line in the United States that is dedicated entirely to bifacial solar modules. This bifacial solar panel recycling line from SPR enables clean glass separation of bifacial modules at recovery rates of 99% or higher, according to the company.
“True solar recycling goes beyond shredding panels. It requires cleanly separated commodities that can re-enter the supply chain, creating real value and minimizing environmental impact. This new technology marks a major milestone for SPR and for the solar industry as a whole,” said Brett C. Henderson, CEO of SolarPanelRecycling.com.
The market for bifacial solar modules in the U.S. rose tremendously the last few years, due to their higher efficiencies and energy yields, but also their exemption from import tariffs. This trend is unlikely to reverse: Bifacial modules are set to account for over 70% of the market by 2033 according to IEA-PVPS.
SPR is already experiencing an uptick in bifacials hitting the recycling stream due to panels being damaged during transportation, installation or extreme weather.
SPR bifacial solar panel recycling
In the fledgling solar panel recycling field, SPR is starting to make impactful moves, and this new automatic line positions the company to meet the demand for bifacial recycling services. The company identified the inefficiencies that monofacial recycling lines presented for bifacial modules, particularly in glass recovery rates and manual labor.
SPR’s engineers and R&D teams developed the new proprietary recycling line for bifacial modules that enables impressive recovery efficiency. Unlike partial recyclers who shred whole panels — commingling silicon, glass, metals and plastics into unusable waste — SPR’s process ensures clean separation of all components. With this approach, each material is returned to the manufacturing supply chain, significantly reducing waste and supporting a circular economy.
“Our investment in a dedicated bifacial recycling line is a proactive step to ensure that our recycling services are scalable and that we can maximize recovery, minimize waste and support the sustainability goals of the industry,” Henderson said.
Comments are closed here.