Qcells, a leading provider of comprehensive energy solutions and a prominent player in the global solar manufacturing market, has announced the establishment of EcoRecycle by Qcells, a new division dedicated to solar panel recycling. As the first generation of solar installations approaches the end of their life cycle, EcoRecycle aims to tackle the increasing challenge of solar panel waste while minimizing the industry’s overall environmental impact.
This year, EcoRecycle will commence recycling operations at a state-of-the-art facility in Cartersville with plans to expand its recycling network nationwide. At full capacity, the facility will be capable of recycling approximately 250 megawatts (MW) of solar panels annually, which translates to about 500,000 panels per year. The recycling process will repurpose valuable materials, including aluminum, glass, silver, and copper. With plans to establish more recycling centers nationwide, EcoRecycle seeks to optimize logistics and scale operations for greater efficiency.
Qcells’ expansion into solar recycling aligns with its commitment to sustainable manufacturing and circular economy practices in the U.S. Given the significant role that solar energy plays in new energy generation, there is a pressing need to develop the necessary infrastructure for recycling retired solar panels and other equipment. The number of decommissioned panels is expected to increase every year. EcoRecycle is proactively addressing this growing challenge and opportunity through innovative recycling solutions.
Currently, the absence of recycling regulations has resulted in most waste solar panels being sent to landfills. However, discussions at the state level regarding mandatory recycling policies are gaining traction in the U.S., leading to rapid advancements in the solar recycling industry. New developments in recycling technology are reducing costs and improving the value of recovered materials through high-purity resource extraction methods.
Positioning itself at the forefront of the waste-to-resource industry, EcoRecycle is focusing on three key initiatives:
1. Offering a cost-effective take-back service with low recycling fees, ensuring seamless, affordable, and responsible solar panel disposal.
2. Advancing proprietary high-purity resource separation technology to maximize material recovery, reuse, and sustainability in solar recycling.
3. Reducing carbon emissions in photovoltaic (PV) panel production by utilizing recycled resources, thereby strengthening the domestic supply chain and promoting a circular solar economy.
“As the U.S. moves towards a more sustainable and self-reliant solar industry, EcoRecycle by Qcells is committed to pioneering innovative recycling technologies that not only reduce environmental impact but also create economic opportunities,” said Jung-Kwon Hong, Head of Qcells Manufacturing Group. “Through strategic investments and cutting-edge solutions, we are positioning ourselves as a leader in the circular economy, ensuring that solar energy remains a truly renewable and responsible power source.”
“Georgia’s clean energy ecosystem continues to grow by way of EcoRecycle by Qcells in Bartow County, Georgia, and we’re so proud to be part of Qcells’ fully integrated solar panel manufacturing process from beginning to recycling,” said Melinda Lemmon, Executive Director at the Cartersville-Bartow County Department of Economic Development. “We congratulate our friends at Qcells on this exciting new endeavor.”
“With this new business, Qcells will emerge as the first-ever crystalline silicon (C-Si) solar panel producer to possess a full value chain, conducting both solar panel manufacturing and recycling on U.S. soil,” said Kelly Weger, Senior Director of Sustainability at Qcells. “Effectively managing solar waste is essential to ensure the long-term sustainability and resilience of the clean energy sector. We’re proud to be leading the charge with the launch of EcoRecycle by Qcells.”