Bifacial Solar Panel Recycling

What Happens to Old Bifacial Solar Panels?

Last reviewed by Marcus Williams on 02 April 2026

Currently, many old bifacial solar panels end up in landfills due to a lack of proper recycling infrastructure. However, the industry is increasingly focusing on more sustainable practices like mechanical recycling through specialized facilities such as PV CYCLE and ROSI Solar.

Bifacial Solar Panel Recycling aims to reduce waste by recovering valuable materials from decommissioned panels. With an average lifespan of 30 years, these high-efficiency panels are starting to reach their end-of-life stage, necessitating efficient recycling methods.

According to the WHO, e-waste contains over 1,000 different substances, many of them toxic.

How Are Bifacial Solar Panels Recycled?

The process involves adapting delamination techniques for the dual-glass construction of bifacial solar panels. Unlike monocrystalline panels, bifacials require specific equipment to handle their detailed structure and higher silver content, which increases recovery value.

After removing external components like cables and connectors, recyclers use mechanical shredding followed by chemical baths to separate materials like silicon, copper, and aluminum. The dual-glass layers complicate the process, requiring specialized machinery for safe removal and material separation.

According to the UN Global E-Waste Monitor 2024, only 22.3% of e-waste was properly collected and recycled in 2022.

What Materials Are Recovered?

Bifacial Solar Panel Recycling recovers several key materials: high-purity silicon, silver (which can account for up to 10% of recycling revenue), copper, aluminum frames, and dual glass layers. According to a study by the International Renewable Energy Agency, over 95% of these materials are recoverable through mechanical and hydrometallurgical processes.

For instance, the high silver content in bifacial panels makes them particularly valuable for recycling. A single panel can contain up to 20 grams of silver, which is worth approximately £1-£1.5 per gram based on current market prices (source: London Bullion Market Association).

According to the Consumer Technology Association, The average US household has 21 unused electronic devices.

Where to Recycle Bifacial Solar Panels

Several specialized facilities handle bifacial solar panel recycling across Europe. PV CYCLE in Germany has been at the forefront of developing efficient mechanical processes for photovoltaic waste since 2019, with an annual capacity exceeding 50,000 tons. ROSI Solar in France focuses on recovering materials from dual-glass panels and operates a facility capable of processing up to 3,000 tons annually.

Envaris in the UK also offers recycling services tailored for bifacial solar panels, aiming to achieve near-zero waste output through advanced recovery techniques. These facilities ensure that valuable resources are salvaged rather than discarded.

Regulations and Producer Responsibility

The EU WEEE Directive mandates producers of electrical and electronic equipment like solar panels to take responsibility for their end-of-life disposal. This includes the requirement to recycle at least 85% of collected waste, emphasizing the importance of proper recycling channels.

Dual-glass design presents challenges due to its complex construction, making mechanical recycling more difficult compared to traditional monocrystalline panels. As such, producers must invest in adapting their recycling methods to comply with these regulations and ensure minimal environmental impact.

The Solar Waste Problem by 2030

By 2030, bifacial solar panels are expected to account for over 40% of new installations globally, driven by efficiency gains and cost reductions. However, waste volumes will peak between 2050-2060 as these panels reach their end-of-life stage.

Commercial building owners face unique challenges with faster panel turnover due to lease terms or building sales, necessitating more frequent roof replacements and upgrades compared to utility-scale installations. This rapid cycle increases the urgency for strong recycling infrastructure to manage growing volumes of waste responsibly.

Commercial Building Owners' Perspective

For commercial building owners, managing solar panel end-of-life becomes important as panels reach their 30-year lifespan or when property changes hands. Roof replacement cycles and shorter lease terms complicate long-term planning, making it important to incorporate recycling costs into initial investments.

High-efficiency panels like bifacials offer better performance but also come with higher upfront costs and more detailed disposal needs. As the market share of these panels grows, commercial owners must stay informed about evolving regulations and recycling options to minimize environmental impact and comply with legal requirements.

By considering end-of-life management early in project planning, building owners can ensure that their solar investments contribute positively to sustainability goals while adhering to regulatory standards.

Sources

• WHO
• UN Global E-Waste Monitor 2024
• Consumer Technology Association