We're about to install 19 billion solar panels in the next 20 years, but what happens when they reach end-of-life?
In this eye-opening episode of The Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague sits down with Adam Saghei, CEO and founder of We Recycle Solar, to tackle one of the clean energy industry's most pressing challenges: solar panel waste management.
What You'll Discover:
Why 90% of end-of-life solar panels currently end up in landfills (and how we can change this)
The staggering value locked in old panels: $170 million today, projected to reach $80 billion by 2050
How We Recycle Solar achieves 60% refurbishment rates on incoming panels
The technical process of extracting valuable materials like silver, aluminum, and silicon
Why companies like First Solar and Q Cells are building in-house recycling facilities
New state regulations in Texas, Washington, and California driving industry change
The economics that make solar recycling profitable while competing with landfill costs
Adam breaks down the three main sources of solar waste: environmental damage, technology upgrades, and installation breakage. He explains how proper decommissioning and material recovery can transform what many see as a looming e-waste crisis into a valuable circular economy opportunity.
Whether you're a solar installer, project developer, or simply interested in sustainable technology, this episode provides crucial insights into an industry that's rapidly evolving to solve its own waste problem.
Key Takeaways:
Solar panels retain 90% efficiency after 20 years, making refurbishment highly viable
Proper recycling can recover critical materials for domestic supply chains
Industry needs federal policy to accelerate adoption beyond current 5+ year timeline
Local recycling creates jobs and reduces transportation costs for raw materials
Don't miss this essential conversation about building a truly sustainable solar industry from cradle to grave.
Connect with Adam Saghei:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asaghei/
Website: https://werecyclesolar.com/
Growing into large commercial-industrial solar? Book a free consultation with Tim Montague to grow your solar business today!
https://calendly.com/tim-montague/coaching_consulting
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The Clean Power Hour is brought to you by CPS America, maker of North America’s number one 3-phase string inverter, with over 10GW shipped in the US. With a focus on commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage, the company partners with customers to provide unparalleled performance and service. The CPS America product lineup includes 3-phase string inverters from 25kW to 350kW, exceptional data communication and controls, and energy storage solutions designed for seamless integration with CPS America systems. CPS America has offices in California, New Jersey, and Texas. Learn more at https://www.chintpowersystems.com/
00:00 Introduction to Solar Panel Recycling
00:28 Welcome to the Clean Power Hour
00:54 Sponsor Message: CPS America
01:44 Scaling Up in Commercial Solar
02:36 Today's Topic: Solar Recycling
03:00 Guest Introduction: Adam S. from We Recycle Solar
03:12 The Problem of E-Waste in Solar Panels
03:37 Designing Solar Panels for Repurposing
04:16 Challenges in Recycling Solar Panels
04:44 Adam's Journey into Solar Recycling
08:26 The Business Model of We Recycle Solar
10:53 The Future of Solar Panel Recycling
17:19 Recycling Process and Techniques
18:21 Impact of Legislation on Solar Recycling
19:59 First Solar's Recycling Initiatives
20:25 Recycling Toxic Cadmium from Solar Panels
20:48 Circular Economy in Solar Panel Manufacturing
22:30 Addressing Misconceptions About Solar Panel Waste
24:03 Recycling Process and Material Reuse
26:09 Decommissioning and Economic Viability
32:06 Regulations and Future of Solar Panel Recycling
36:09 Conclusion and Contact Information
