With more homes and businesses installing solar panels each year, end-of-life recycling is becoming an increasingly important part of a sustainable energy and waste system. We’ve also had some recent severe hailstorms across Wisconsin that have raised questions about what to do with damaged solar panels. While severe, massive hail can cause damage, industry studies show solar panel failure due to weather is rare—less than 5%. Whether panels are damaged from severe weather or simply reaching the end of their 25-to-30-year lifespan, there are responsible recycling options available locally and beyond.
How Solar Panel Recycling Works
Solar panel recycling is a more specialized process than standard household recycling because panels contain multiple layered materials that must be carefully separated. Recycling companies that handle solar panels often work with registered end processors and facilities approved through state environmental agencies to ensure materials are managed responsibly and kept out of landfills.
One company shared with us that once panels arrive at a recycling facility, they typically go through several stages of processing:
- Frames and wiring removal: The aluminum frame and electrical wiring are removed first and recycled separately. Aluminum and copper are both highly recyclable materials that can be reused in manufacturing new products.
- Material separation: During processing, recyclers separate glass, metals, plastics, and internal electronic components. Glass makes up a significant portion of most solar panels and can often be recovered for reuse.
- Advanced material recovery: Some facilities use more advanced technologies to recover silicon and trace metals from within the solar cells themselves. These recovered materials may then be used in future manufacturing processes.
By recovering valuable materials instead of landfilling them, solar panel recycling helps reduce waste, conserve natural resources, and support a more circular economy for renewable energy technologies.
Local Solar Panel Recycling Options
Several organizations around Wisconsin accept solar panels for recycling.
- Fee: $1.00 per pound
- Standard drop-offs do not require an appointment. Community members can stop by during regular business hours. For larger quantities or unusual materials, contacting the facility ahead of time is encouraged.
- Fee: $0.30 per pound
- Accepts larger consolidated loads. Contractors must contact the company ahead of time to establish a billing account and schedule an appointment before delivery.
- Fee: $0.50 per pound for business loads
- Clean Sweep accepts a limited amount of solar panels at their discretion and encourages residents to contact them ahead of time due to volume limitations.
- Individual residents’ recycling panels on their own can also use the program for a $15 per panel fee.
Non-Local Recycling Option
TerraPower
- Fee: Approximately $15 per panel plus shipping
- This option may be useful for those without access to local recycling services or for specialized recycling needs.
Tips for Safely Transporting Damaged Solar Panels
When transporting broken or damaged panels, the primary goal is to prevent shattered glass from spreading during transport. Recycling professionals recommend:
- Sliding contractor-grade trash bags over both ends of the panel and sealing the center with duct tape
- Stacking larger quantities on pallets with cardboard layers between panels
- Securing loads tightly with stretch wrap to reduce movement during transport
For larger projects, panels can also be packed into larger cardboard collection boxes or Gaylord containers for safer handling.
Conclusion
Renewable energy from sources such as solar panels reduces greenhouse gases, lowers air pollution, and decreases reliance on fossil fuels. Renewable energy is a critical part of the community meeting our climate goals.
As solar energy continues to grow throughout Wisconsin, planning for responsible end-of-life management is an important consideration. Recycling solar panels helps recover valuable materials, reduces landfill waste, and supports the long-term sustainability of renewable energy infrastructure.
If you have damaged or aging solar panels, consider reaching out to one of the organizations above to learn more about their current acceptance policies and recycling processes.