Emerging Solar Waste Economy Presents New Investment Opportunities
The global clean energy transition is giving rise to a new investment frontier focused on the recovery of valuable materials from retired solar panels. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) warns that without the development of recycling infrastructure and circular economy policies, the solar industry risks creating a new environmental challenge. However, the end-of-life solar panels present a multi-billion-dollar market opportunity in recycling, critical minerals, and green infrastructure. IRENA projects that by 2050, cumulative solar PV waste will exceed 200 million tonnes, with annual waste generation rising above 25 million tonnes. 
