SEIA solar recycling program to keep panels out of landfills

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) recently announced the launch of its pioneering solar photovoltaic (PV) recycling program, taking steps to ensure that PV panels end their lifespan in a recycling program rather than a landfill.

“Our goal is make the entire solar industry landfill-free,” Tom Kimbis, SEIA’s interim president, said. “By establishing a national network of collection points, recycling facilities and an easy-to-use consumer web portal, this proactive program will help drive down the cost of recycling for all parties involved. This means the environment wins and so do our solar consumers and companies.”

With the rapid growth experienced in the solar industry in recent years, sustainability is becoming a prominent issue, and companies are increasingly considering the lifespans and recyclability of their panels. SEIA is currently investing in long-term research and development strategies that seek to cement the circularity of the industry’s sustainability.

“With more than 227 gigawatts of solar modules installed worldwide, recycling is important for all PV technologies and the sustainability of the industry as a whole,” Alex Heard, senior vice president at First Solar, said. “By making affordable PV recycling solutions more accessible to consumers, SEIA’s recycling program will help to ensure that today’s clean energy solutions do not pose a future waste burden. With more than 10 years of industry-leading experience in providing cost-effective high-value PV recycling solutions globally, First Solar looks forward to partnering with SEIA on this great initiative.”