Thin-Film CIGS Solar Panel Recycling

What Happens to Old Thin-Film CIGS Solar Panels?

Last reviewed by Marcus Williams on 02 April 2026

Most people think that recycling thin-film CIGS solar panels is as simple as dropping them off at a local electronics recycler. Thin-Film CIGS Solar Panel Recycling However, it's not that straightforward due to the lower volume of these panels compared to other types like CdTe or crystalline silicon. Many general e-waste processors are unequipped for specific chemical dissolution processes required for CIGS recycling.

What happens to old Thin-Film CIGS Solar Panels varies widely depending on their current state and where they're located. A significant number end up in landfills. Which is concerning given the valuable metals like indium and gallium these panels contain. Only a small fraction of them are recycled through specialized facilities due to limited capacity and specific recycling requirements.

According to the Royal Society of Chemistry, mobile phones contain up to 60 different elements, including critical raw materials.

How Are Thin-Film CIGS Solar Panels Recycled?

The process involves chemical dissolution to recover critical raw materials such as indium and gallium, which are vital for manufacturing new electronic devices and solar panels. The steps typically include shredding the panel into smaller pieces before immersing them in a series of acid baths to extract valuable metals.

Thin-Film CIGS Solar Panels are recycled through a chemical dissolution process that focuses on recovering critical raw materials like indium and gallium. This involves breaking down the panels mechanically, followed by treating the components with chemicals to isolate specific elements. Due to lower volumes compared to other solar panel types, dedicated facilities for this process remain limited.

According to the UNEP, A single tonne of circuit boards contains 40-800 times more gold than a tonne of ore.

What Materials Are Recovered?

Recovery rates vary but can reach up to 90% for metals like copper and indium. Glass recovery is typically around 85%, while molybdenum can be recovered at a rate of about 70%. Each material has its own value, with indium being particularly valuable due to its scarcity.

Thin-Film CIGS Solar Panels contain several recyclable materials: copper (90% recovery), indium (up to 95%), gallium (similar rates as indium), selenium (lower but still significant), glass (85-90%), and molybdenum (70%). Indium, in particular, is highly sought after because of its scarcity and high value.

According to the UN Global E-Waste Monitor 2024, The world generated 62 million tonnes of e-waste in 2022, up 82% from 2010.

Where to Recycle Thin-Film CIGS Solar Panels

PV CYCLE offers full recycling services for PV waste across Europe. At Thin-Film CIGS Solar Panel Recycling, specialized recyclers like MiaSole's own recycling program handle smaller volumes but focus on recovering indium and gallium efficiently. General e-waste processors with hydrometallurgical capabilities can also manage the process, though they might not have the specialized equipment for optimal recovery.

Thin-Film CIGS Solar Panels are recycled through facilities like PV CYCLE in Europe, MiaSole's own recycling program, and general e-waste processors equipped with hydrometallurgy. These options cater to different volumes and provide varying levels of material recovery efficiency.

Regulations and Producer Responsibility

The EU WEEE Directive mandates the collection and recycling of electronic waste, including solar panels. The Critical Raw Materials Act 2024 sets specific targets for recovering indium and gallium from CIGS panels, emphasizing producer responsibility in ensuring sustainable practices.

Thin-Film CIGS Solar Panel Recycling falls under regulations such as the EU WEEE Directive and the EU's Critical Raw Materials Act of 2024. These rules set out recovery targets specifically for critical raw materials like indium and gallium, requiring producers to take responsibility for recycling these valuable components.

The Solar Waste Problem by 2030

By 2030, solar panel waste is expected to reach around 8 million tons globally, with Thin-Film CIGS making up less than 5% of this total. However, despite their small percentage, CIGS panels contribute significantly due to the high value and scarcity of indium and gallium.

By 2030, solar panel waste is projected to reach around 8 million tons globally, with Thin-Film CIGS Solar Panels accounting for less than 5% of this total. Despite their small volume, these panels contain critical raw materials like indium and gallium that are highly valuable and in short supply.

What Makes Thin-Film (CIGS) Different from Standard Crystalline Silicon Panels?

Thin-film CIGS panels differ fundamentally from standard crystalline silicon panels due to the composition of their active layers. While crystalline silicon uses a single material, CIGS combines copper, indium, gallium, and selenium in thin film form, providing better flexibility and lower manufacturing costs but requiring specialized recycling methods.

Thin-Film CIGS Solar Panels differ from standard crystalline silicon panels due to the composition of their active layers. Crystalline silicon uses a single material, while CIGS combines copper, indium, gallium, and selenium in thin film form, offering better flexibility and lower manufacturing costs but requiring specialized recycling methods.

Specific Materials and Why They Require Different Recycling Processes

Copper, indium, gallium, selenium, glass, and molybdenum are all part of the CIGS panel structure. Copper is abundant and easy to recover; however, indium and gallium require more complex chemical processes due to their scarcity and value. Selenium poses similar challenges but can be recovered using hydrometallurgical techniques.

Copper, indium, gallium, selenium, glass, and molybdenum are all part of the CIGS panel structure. Copper is abundant and relatively straightforward to recover. Indium and gallium require complex chemical processes due to their scarcity and value. Selenium can be recovered using hydrometallurgical techniques but poses similar challenges.

Hazardous Material Considerations

While cadmium is a concern in CdTe panels, CIGS panels don't contain it. At Thin-Film CIGS Solar Panel Recycling, however, indium scarcity presents its own set of environmental concerns, as the extraction process for this metal can have significant ecological impacts if not managed properly.

While CIGS panels don't contain hazardous materials like cadmium, found in CdTe panels, they pose a different challenge with the scarcity and high value of indium. Indium extraction has potential ecological impacts, necessitating careful management during recycling processes.

Sources

• Royal Society of Chemistry
• UNEP
• UN Global E-Waste Monitor 2024