Hello and welcome solar enthusiasts, in today’s blog post I will discuss an interesting advancement in the solar industry, something that promises to revolutionize the way we handle solar panels at the end of their lifecycle – solar recycling. With the boom in solar energy, there is a growing need for responsible disposal, refurbishment or re-use of solar panels. This is where solar companies like Solarcycle come into the picture.
Solarcycle, situated in Mesa Arizona, is a beacon for sustainability. It’s a philanthropic idea turned into a business model. They’ve just announced the opening of a new headquarters equipped with an office space, recycling facility, and a research lab – employing a team of proficient scientists and engineers spearheading technological refinement.
This solar company employs proprietary technology to extract 95% of the value from recycled solar panels. This includes valuable materials such as silver, silicon, copper, aluminum, and glass. Not only does this prevent harmful waste from entering landfills, but it also introduces higher-purity materials back into the domestic supply chain. This is an excellent example of a solar array for home use having an extended life even after their decommission.
Since the availability and popularity of solar panels for homes have seen a dramatic rise, ensuring that they don’t contribute to the 10 million metric tons of waste predicted by 2050 (according to the International Renewable Energy Agency, IRENA) is extremely important. Solarcycle plans to tackle this challenge head-on, by recycling 250,000 solar panels each year initially, and eventually increasing that number to a staggering one million panels per year.
Apart from their exciting work in the solar scene, Solarcycle is also adding value to the local community. The company is creating a projected 100 local jobs in various domains like production, engineering, operations, IT, finance, sales and marketing, and management.
The concept of a circular economy is evident in the solar industry now, and it’ll be intriguing to watch as Solarcycle transforms the lifecycle of solar panels. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory projects that, by 2040, recycled panels and materials could fulfil 25% to 30% of U.S. domestic solar manufacturing needs. This makes it clear that solar recycling is not only beneficial for the environment but also economically viable.
Solarcycle’s pioneer work has been recognized and supported by industry giants. The company, now in its second year of operation, has managed to secure funding from leading renewable energy and circular economy investors, thereby ensuring that their mission of sustainable solar recycling continues in full swing. And with plans to establish more recycle centers across the United States, Solarcycle is poised to create a robust recycling network that will have a transformative impact on the solar industry.
As more solar panels come into use in our homes, Solarcycle’s service provides us reassurance that the panels’ end of life can be managed in a sustainable and responsible way, preserving our environment and contributing to a greener future in the process.
Stay tuned for the next blog post as we delve deeper into the solar industry, solar companies, and the latest gadgets and technologies supporting clean and green solar energy at your homes. Stay solar!
Original Article: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/02/05/solar-recycling-headquarters-and-research-lab-opens-in-arizona/
