End-of-Life Solar Panels Present New Economic Opportunities, Says IRENA
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has highlighted the potential economic benefits of reusing and recycling end-of-life solar panels. As global solar capacity continues to grow, the volume of decommissioned panels is expected to rise significantly, reaching over 200 million tonnes by 2050. IRENA estimates that the materials recovered from these panels could generate approximately USD 6 billion annually by 2040. The agency emphasizes the importance of circular economy principles in transforming solar panel waste into a valuable resource, with recycled materials potentially supplying a significant portion of the solar industry's raw material needs.