Panasonic EverVolt 410W: recycling and end-of-life
The Panasonic EverVolt 410W (Panasonic Eco Systems, 2021-2024) is a 410W heterojunction solar panel weighing 19 kg. This guide covers material composition, take-back routes, and end-of-life economics.
Material composition
A typical Panasonic EverVolt 410W contains:
- Aluminium frame: 2.9 kg - LME spot ~$2.40/kg = $6.96
- Tempered glass: 12 kg - low value but recyclable
- Silicon cells: 600g
- Silver paste (cell metallisation): 6.3g - silver spot ~$0.85/g = $5.35
- Copper backsheet wiring: ~50-100g
- EVA encapsulant + backsheet polymer: mixed-grade plastics
Take-back via Panasonic Eco Systems
Panasonic Eco Systems sustainability and recycling programme
Panasonic Eco Systems participates in regional take-back schemes (PV CYCLE in EU, SEIA in US). Check the link above for current options in your country.
Recycling cost
Typical end-of-life recycling cost: 15-30.
Recoverable material value: $9-16.
Net cost varies by jurisdiction and processor. EU panels generally cost less to recycle due to mandatory PV-CYCLE infrastructure; US panels often cost more without a federal take-back programme.
Where to recycle
- EU/UK: PV CYCLE registered processor (https://pvcycle.org)
- US: SEIA Recycling Network member, First Solar (CdTe panels), We Recycle Solar
- Asia-Pacific: PV CYCLE Asia Pacific affiliated processors
- Australia: Solar Energy Industries Association recycling partners
Why panels need controlled disposal
Solar panels contain lead solder (older panels), cadmium telluride (CdTe panels like First Solar), and trace amounts of arsenic. Direct landfill disposal is banned in:
- All EU member states (WEEE Directive Annex IV)
- Washington, California, and 7 other US states
- Australia (NSW from 2025, others to follow)
Improper disposal carries fines of $1,000-25,000 per panel under WEEE-equivalent regulations.
Sources
- IRENA-IEA-PVPS End-of-Life Management of Photovoltaic Panels (2024 update)
- US DOE NREL Solar Photovoltaic Module Recycling
- Panasonic Eco Systems sustainability disclosure
- LME spot prices for aluminium and silver
- PV CYCLE annual recovery rates
