In Washington D.C. on April 16, 2024, Sol Systems and SOLARCYCLE have announced a partnership to ensure the sustainability of Sol Systems' solar energy projects by recycling retired panels. This partnership aims to contribute to the growth of a domestic circular economy for solar energy that is waste-free.
The partnership between Sol Systems and SOLARCYCLE has completed two successful work orders on different projects, showcasing Sol Systems’ dedication to tackling the environmental impact of solar panel disposal, especially at the end of a project where most waste is generated. Earlier this year, Sol Systems was among the first companies in the nation to collaborate with SOLARCYCLE to efficiently and safely recycle damaged panels from a community solar array in Scottsbluff, Nebraska following severe weather conditions.
By using SOLARCYCLE's specialized technology, valuable materials like silver, silicon, copper, aluminum, and glass can be extracted from the panels, diverting them from landfills and enabling the recovery of up to 95% of the recycled panel's value. This collaboration between the two companies has turned an obstacle, like extreme weather events, into an opportunity to promote sustainable practices in the solar industry.
The materials that are taken out are then processed and reintroduced back into the local supply chain to support the efforts of Sol Systems and SOLARCYCLE in reducing environmental impact, promoting a circular economy, and improving sustainability in solar energy generation. Eugene Rhee, the Associate Vice President of Performance Engineering at Sol Systems, mentioned the innovative and sustainability-focused work of SOLARCYCLE, which aligns with Sol Systems' commitment to sustainability and innovation. Research from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory suggests that, by 2040, recycled panels and materials could satisfy 25 to 30 percent of the U.S.'s solar manufacturing requirements.
Recycled modules can serve as a valuable source of materials for American manufacturing, reducing dependence on supplies and ensuring worker and environmental safety. SOLARCYCLE's Chief Commercial Officer, Jesse Simons, commended Sol Systems for their efforts in recycling decommissioned solar panels to promote a cleaner energy future. Sol Systems is a respected renewable energy company involved in developing, building, and managing solar projects worth over $2 billion for various clients. They also offer environmental commodity portfolio management services to a wide range of customers in the US.
Sol Systems, a company established in 2008 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., is led by its founder. The company collaborates with institutional clients, corporate partners, and foundations to work towards a sustainable future. For more information, you can visit their website at https://www.
The company SOLARCYCLE was founded in 2022 with the aim of promoting solar sustainability through the recycling and repurposing of retiring solar panels. Using their specialized technology, up to 95% of valuable materials from solar panels can be extracted, such as silver, silicon, copper, and aluminum. This process helps to support the circular economy for solar and renewable energy sources.
The website address is www.SOLARCYCLE.us.
Scottsbluff Community Solar Project is utilizing crushed glass from a recycled solar panel at SOLARCYCLE's Odessa facility.