Qcells Launches Solar Recycling Unit In US As EOL Waste Rises

US-based solar energy company Qcells has launched a new business unit, EcoRecycle by Qcells, to manage end-of-life (EOL) solar panel waste and reduce the industry’s environmental footprint.

The company said on Monday that EcoRecycle will begin operations this year at a facility in Cartersville, Georgia, with plans to expand across the United States. At full capacity, the Georgia site will be able to recycle about 250 megawatts (MW) worth of panels annually, or roughly 500,000 units.

Recovering and refurbishment 

Materials such as aluminum, glass, silver, and copper will be recovered and repurposed, the company said. Qcells aims to scale operations and optimize logistics as the volume of decommissioned solar panels continues to grow.

The move comes as part of Qcells’ broader strategy to support sustainable manufacturing and circular economy practices in the US solar industry. The company said most EOL solar panels currently end up in landfills due to a lack of national recycling regulations.

However, discussions on mandatory recycling at the state level are gaining traction, and recent technological advances have improved recovery rates and lowered recycling costs.

Take-back services

EcoRecycle will focus on three areas: offering cost-effective take-back services, developing high-purity material separation technologies, and reducing emissions in solar panel production through the use of recycled inputs.

“EcoRecycle by Qcells is committed to pioneering innovative recycling technologies that reduce environmental impact and support a self-reliant solar economy,” said Jung-Kwon Hong, head of Qcells’ manufacturing group.

Qcells said it would become the first crystalline silicon solar panel maker to operate both manufacturing and recycling facilities on US soil.