Current Challenges in Solar Panel Recycling

As solar power spreads, countries face growing challenges in decommissioning and recycling solar panels. The EU’s WEEE Directive mandates manufacturer responsibility, but enforcement varies. The U.S. lacks unified federal rules, with most states having no mandatory recycling. In Japan, recycling is mostly voluntary with limited facilities. China’s recycling system remains underdeveloped, and low material value discourages business participation. The U.S. and Taiwan also struggle with high transport and dismantling costs, as well as dispersed waste volumes, preventing economies of scale. Technically, multi-layer structures and composite materials make dismantling difficult, while high-purity silicon and rare metals are costly to recover, and toxic material processing capacity is insufficient. Responsibility allocation remains unclear; EPR systems are not fully implemented in the U.S. or Taiwan.

By 2030, the EU may face a large wave of decommissioning, Japan may see illegal dumping risks by 2040, and China is expected to experience a surge in waste after 2035. Without synchronized policy and technological advances, the environmental burden will be severe.

Environmental Sustainability

New technologies can increase solar panel recycling rates to over 98%, compared to 85–90% with traditional methods. Efficient recycling enables continuous use of high-purity silicon, glass, aluminum, and silver, adding high value.

Physical decomposition replaces harsh chemicals, reducing pollution and aligning with ESG goals. Automation further lowers labor costs and increases efficiency. The global solar waste recycling market is expected to reach USD 120 billion (NT$3.6 trillion) by 2030.