Stratistics MRC에 따르면 세계의 태양전지판 재활용 시장은 2025년 3억 4,970만 달러를 차지하고 예측 기간 동안 CAGR 8.3%로 성장하여 2032년까지 6억 1,100만 달러에 이를 것으로 예측됩니다.
태양전지판 재활용은 사용된 태양광 발전(PV) 태양전지판에서 귀중한 재료를 회수하는 과정입니다. 태양 에너지 보급이 확대되며 사용된 패널에서 나오는 폐기물 관리는, 환경의 지속가능성에 있어서 매우 중요해졌습니다. 따라서 패널을 분해해 실리콘, 알루미늄, 구리, 유리 등의 부품을 재사용 및 재가공을 위해 분리해야 합니다.
미국 국립재생가능에너지연구소에 따르면 국내에서 폐기된 패널 중 재활용되고 있는 것은 10%에도 미치지 못하고 있습니다.
태양에너지 도입의 급증
세계의 태양에너지 도입의 급증이 효율적인 태양광 패널 재활용 솔루션의 필요성을 뒷받침하고 있습니다. 재생가능 에너지를 촉진하는 정부의 우대 조치와 정책이 태양전지판의 보급을 가속화하고 있습니다.
태양전지판의 장수명화
태양전지판의 수명은 길고 25년을 넘는 경우가 많기 때문에 재활용 인프라가 곧 필요하게 되는 것은 늦습니다. 많은 지역에서는 충분한 재활용 시설이 없습니다. 소규모 기업은 폐기물 흐름이 일정하지 않기 때문에 재활용 사업을 확대하는 데 어려움을 겪고 있습니다.
재활용 프로세스의 기술적 진보
화학 공정과 열 공정 등의 재활용 기술의 혁신은 태양광 패널 재료의 회수 효율을 높입니다. 지속가능한 재활용 기술의 연구개발에 대한 정부 자금 지원은 시장 성장을 지원합니다. 순환 경제에 대한 수요 증가는 혁신적인 재활용 시스템에 대한 투자를 촉진합니다.
패널 디자인과 소재의 다양성
태양전지판의 디자인이나 소재가 다양하다는 것이 표준화된 재활용 프로세스의 개발을 복잡하게 하고 있습니다. 박막 패널과 같은 새로운 패널 기술은 특별한 재활용 방법을 필요로 하며 복잡성을 증가시키고 있습니다.
COVID-19의 대유행으로 공급망의 제약과 산업 활동의 저하로 태양광 패널의 재활용 사업이 중단되었습니다. 하지만 팬데믹은 경제 부흥 계획의 일환으로 재생에너지에 대한 주목을 높이고, 태양광 설치를 뒷받침했습니다.
예측 기간 동안 기계 부문이 최대가 될 것으로 예상
비용 효율적이고 태양전지판 재활용에 널리 사용되기 때문에 예측 기간 동안 기계 분야가 가장 큰 시장 점유율을 차지할 것으로 예측됩니다. 기계적 재활용의 확장성은 대량의 폐기 패널 처리에 적합합니다.
단결정 부문은 예측 기간 중 가장 높은 CAGR이 예상된다.
예측 기간 동안 단결정 부문은 가장 높은 성장률을 나타낼 것으로 예측되며, 이는 고효율로 단결정 태양전지판의 채용 증가로 인한 것입니다. 재생에너지를 추진하는 정부의 정책에 의해 단결정 패널의 설치가 증가하고, 재활용 요구가 높아지고 있습니다.
예측 기간 동안 아시아태평양이 가장 큰 시장 점유율을 차지할 것으로 예측됩니다. 재생가능 에너지와 순환형 경제 실천을 촉진하는 정부의 이니셔티브가 재활용 인프라 정비를 지원하고 있습니다. 이 지역의 대규모 산업 기반은 재활용 사업의 확대를 촉진하고 있습니다.
예측 기간 동안 북미는 재생에너지와 재활용 인프라에 대한 투자가 증가함에 따라 가장 높은 CAGR을 보여줄 것으로 예측됩니다. 혁신적인 재활용 기업과 연구 개발 센터의 존재가 기술의 진보를 촉진합니다. 지속가능성 문제에 대한 소비자의 높은 의식이 시장의 성장을 지지합니다.
According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Solar Panel Recycling Market is accounted for $349.7 million in 2025 and is expected to reach $611.0 million by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 8.3% during the forecast period. Solar Panel Recycling is the process of recovering valuable materials from end-of-life photovoltaic (PV) solar panels. As solar energy adoption expands, managing the waste stream from decommissioned panels becomes crucial for environmental sustainability. This involves disassembling panels and separating components like silicon, aluminum, copper, and glass for reuse or reprocessing. Effective recycling reduces landfill waste, minimizes the environmental impact of manufacturing new panels, and recovers scarce resources, contributing to a circular economy in the renewable energy sector.
According to the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory, less than 10% of decommissioned panels in the country are recycled.
Rapid growth in solar energy installations
The global surge in solar energy adoption is driving the need for efficient solar panel recycling solutions. Increasing installations of photovoltaic systems generate significant end-of-life panel waste, necessitating recycling infrastructure. Government incentives and policies promoting renewable energy accelerate solar panel deployment. The growing awareness of environmental sustainability pushes companies to adopt responsible recycling practices. This trend fuels the demand for advanced recycling technologies to manage solar panel waste.
Long lifespan of solar panels
The extended lifespan of solar panels, often exceeding 25 years, delays the immediate need for recycling infrastructure. This longevity results in a slower accumulation of end-of-life panels, limiting market growth in the short term. Many regions lack sufficient recycling facilities due to low current volumes of decommissioned panels. Smaller firms face challenges in scaling recycling operations due to inconsistent waste streams. These factors hinder the rapid expansion of the solar panel recycling market.
Technological advancements in recycling processes
Innovations in recycling technologies, such as chemical and thermal processes, enhance the efficiency of solar panel material recovery. Advanced methods enable the extraction of valuable materials like silicon and silver, creating new revenue streams. Government funding for R&D in sustainable recycling technologies supports market growth. The growing demand for circular economy practices encourages investment in innovative recycling systems. These advancements offer significant opportunities to expand the solar panel recycling market.
Variability in panel designs and materials
The diversity in solar panel designs and materials complicates the development of standardized recycling processes. Variations in panel composition, such as different adhesives and coatings, increase recycling costs. The lack of universal recycling standards across manufacturers hinders scalability. Emerging panel technologies, like thin-film panels, require specialized recycling methods, adding complexity. Inconsistent regulations across regions create challenges for global recycling operations. These factors threaten the efficiency and profitability of the solar panel recycling market.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted solar panel recycling operations due to supply chain constraints and reduced industrial activity. Lockdowns delayed the collection and processing of end-of-life panels, impacting market growth. However, the pandemic increased focus on renewable energy as part of economic recovery plans, boosting solar installations. Remote monitoring and automation in recycling facilities helped maintain operations during restrictions. Post-pandemic, the emphasis on sustainability continues to drive investment in recycling solutions.
The mechanical segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
The mechanical segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period, owing to its cost-effectiveness and widespread use in solar panel recycling. Mechanical processes, such as shredding and sorting, efficiently separate materials like glass and aluminum. The scalability of mechanical recycling makes it suitable for handling large volumes of decommissioned panels. Advances in automation enhance the precision and speed of mechanical recycling systems. Growing investments in recycling infrastructure further support the dominance of this segment.
The monocrystalline segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
Over the forecast period, the monocrystalline segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate, impelled by the increasing adoption of monocrystalline solar panels due to their high efficiency. Innovations in material recovery techniques enhance the efficiency of recycling these panels. The segment benefits from the high value of recoverable materials like silicon and silver. Government policies promoting renewable energy increase monocrystalline panel installations, boosting recycling needs. The focus on sustainable practices further accelerates segment growth.
During the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is expected to hold the largest market share, driven by its dominance in solar panel manufacturing and installation. Countries like China and India lead in solar energy adoption, generating significant panel waste. Government initiatives promoting renewable energy and circular economy practices support recycling infrastructure development. The region's large industrial base facilitates the scaling of recycling operations. The growing awareness of environmental concerns further fuels market expansion.
Over the forecast period, the North America region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR attributed to increasing investments in renewable energy and recycling infrastructure. The U.S. leads in solar panel installations, creating a growing need for recycling solutions. Stringent environmental regulations drive the adoption of sustainable recycling practices. The presence of innovative recycling firms and R&D centers fosters technological advancements. High consumer awareness of sustainability issues supports market growth. Collaborations between manufacturers and recyclers accelerate the development of efficient processes.
Key players in the market
Some of the key players in Solar Panel Recycling Market include Aurubis AG, Canadian Solar Inc., Cleanites Recycling, ENVARIS GmbH, First Solar Inc., NPC Inc., Reclaim PV Recycling Pty Ltd., Recycle Solar Technologies Ltd., Reiling GmbH and Co. KG, Rinovasol Global Services BV, SiC Processing GmbH, SILCONTEL Ltd., Silrec Corp., Solarcycle Inc., SunPower Corp., The Activ Group Solutions Pty Ltd, Trina Solar Co. Ltd., Veolia Environnement SA, We Recycle Solar, and Yingli Green Energy Holding Co. Ltd.
In June 2025, Solarcycle Inc. partnered with Reclaim PV Recycling Pty Ltd. to expand solar panel recycling operations in Australia, aiming to boost circular economy models by scaling recovery of silicon, silver, and aluminum materials.
In May 2025, Veolia Environnement SA announced the expansion of its photovoltaic panel recycling facility in Rousset, France, planning to process over 8,000 tonnes of end-of-life solar panels annually.
In April 2025, Rinovasol Global Services BV introduced a new solar panel refurbishment line in Germany to reduce solar waste by restoring modules to near-original performance and extending their lifespan.
In February 2025, SunPower Corp. launched a take-back program across the U.S., enabling residential customers to return decommissioned solar panels for recycling or reuse.