The Future of Used Solar Panels: Reuse, Recycling, and Secondary Markets
The solar photovoltaic (PV) revolution is transforming
global energy systems, offering a clean and renewable solution to climate
change and resource depletion. Yet, with more than 1 TW of cumulative global
solar capacity surpassed in 2023, the first significant wave of PV modules is
rapidly approaching its end-of-life (EOL) stage. This shift has catalyzed
urgent interest in sustainable solutions for managing decommissioned panels,
from innovative reuse to advanced recycling, and the expansion of secondary
markets that can unlock residual value. How countries and industries address
the lifecycle of solar panels beyond their initial use will define the
circularity, economics, and true sustainability of solar energy in the coming
decades.