How Do You Dispose Of Old Solar Panels

Solar panel recycling times.

How do you dispose of old solar panels. Many manufacturers make solar panels with parts that can be reused after they re processed in a. In the czech republic for instance companies that sell solar panels must contribute to a fund that finances the collection and recycling of old units. According to the director of reclaim pv the only dedicated photovoltaic recycler in australia clive fleming they company recycles 90 per cent of materials in a panel. You can pay to have your solar panels properly disposed of as electronic waste or e waste as the cool kids call it these days.

An average solar panel operates efficiently for nearly 30 years. When disposing off used solar batteries it is important to keep them in separate plastic bags. It is not recommended to connect the old battery with a new battery because this will cause problems. If you turn up at your local e waste disposal centre with just a few panels they may charge a flat fee for each which could be 20.

The company has been lobbying for state bans on landfill disposal of solar panels. If silicon is absent the entire panel will be thermally dismantled by means of chemical baths. In the european union regulations governing the treatment of waste electrical and electronic equipment weee include solar panels and indicate the way forward for the handling of green hardware. If you were one of the early adopters of solar and now have old panels that you want to replace you might have to take them to a landfill.

But talk to a local solar installer for specific ideas because in certain cities there may be better alternatives.