The first generation of photovoltaic panels is about to be replaced in Italy: in volume, the estimate is about 100 thousand tons per year.
There are several reasons for the intervention by owners: from the aging of systems that have now reached the end of their life, to economic advantages for the higher production yields of the new generation ones or for incentives and tax deductions, and the figures are growing.
Faced with this scenario, the question arises of how and where to dispose of decommissioned panels.
RMI also specializes in the recovery of electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), of which photovoltaic panels are also a part.
RMI covers about 15-20% of the Italian market and is set to close 2024 with twice as many tons of recycled solar panels as in the previous year.
To date, the disposal process involves recycling 98 percent of the materials that make up the panels, thus enabling a circular process based on recycling, recovery, and reuse of raw materials. From a single panel, an average of about 15 kilograms of glass, 3 kilograms of plastic, 2 kilograms of aluminum, and 1 kilogram of silicon powder as well as 100 grams of valuable copper can be obtained.
A project is underway in RMI to recover more silicon.
Rising energy costs, improved recycling technology and regulations may pave the way for a market where more end-of-life solar panels are sent for recycling. This virtuous cycle can help operators save costs, overcome supply chain problems, and increase the likelihood that countries will meet their sustainability goals.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)