Hanwha Qcells has launched a solar panel recycling program called EcoRecycle. The company aims to recycle up to 250 megawatts (MW) of solar panels each year. This effort will reduce waste and promote sustainable energy in the U.S. It meets the growing need for solar panel recycling as the industry expands.
Why Qcells Chose Georgia?
Qcells chose Georgia for its new recycling facility. The company already runs major solar projects in the state, which is a hub for solar energy. Expanding there allows Qcells to use existing infrastructure and a skilled local workforce.
This year, EcoRecycle will begin operations at a state-of-the-art facility in Cartersville, Georgia. At full capacity, it can recycle about 250 MW of solar panels each year—around 500,000 panels—recovering materials like aluminum, glass, silver, and copper. EcoRecycle plans to expand its centers across the U.S. to boost efficiency.
This move helps the local economy by creating jobs and promoting green technology. Georgia is key to U.S. solar growth. It’s an ideal place for a large-scale recycling program that can transform how the industry manages solar waste.
Jung-Kwon Hong, Head of Hanwha Qcells Manufacturing Group
“As the U.S. moves towards a more sustainable and self-reliant solar industry, EcoRecycle by Qcells is committed to pioneering innovative recycling technologies that not only reduce environmental impact but also create economic opportunities. Through strategic investments and cutting-edge solutions, we are positioning ourselves as a leader in the circular economy, ensuring that solar energy remains a truly renewable and responsible power source.”
What Makes EcoRecycle Important for Solar Waste?
Solar panels typically last 25 to 30 years. As older panels reach the end of their life, they create a waste problem. Currently, less than 10% of solar panels are recycled. Most end up in landfills, wasting valuable materials like glass, aluminum, silicon, and silver.
Qcells wants to change this with EcoRecycle. The goal is to recover key materials and reuse them in new products. By keeping these materials in circulation, Qcells helps reduce emissions tied to mining and production, which are crucial steps in fighting climate change.
Kelly Weger, Senior Director of Sustainability at Hanwha Qcells said,
“With this new business, Hanwha Qcells will emerge as the first-ever crystalline silicon (C-Si) solar panel producer to possess a full value chain, conducting both solar panel manufacturing and recycling on U.S. soil. Effectively managing solar waste is essential to ensure the long-term sustainability and resilience of the clean energy sector. We’re proud to be leading the charge with the launch of EcoRecycle by Qcells.”
To boost its recycling efforts, Qcells partnered with Solarcycle, a company that specializes in solar panel recycling. Solarcycle uses innovative technology to separate valuable components from old panels. These parts, like silicon and precious metals, can be reused to make new panels.
This partnership allows Qcells to recycle more efficiently. It also shows how collaboration can help the solar sector adopt greener practices.
Recycling Solar Waste and Its Impact on the Environment
As global demand for solar energy grows, solar panel installations are rapidly increasing. At the same time, concerns are rising about carbon emissions from panel production and how to manage solar waste.
Measuring Solar’s Life-Cycle Emissions
Life-cycle emissions refer to the total greenhouse gases released throughout the entire process of producing energy, from mining raw materials and manufacturing to installation, maintenance, and final disposal.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), producing 1 kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity from rooftop solar panels results in about 41 grams of CO2 equivalents—the same weight as a medium-sized chicken egg.
While solar energy isn’t completely carbon-free, its emissions are significantly lower than those from fossil fuel-based electricity, making it a much cleaner alternative.
Recycling solar panels cuts the need for raw materials like mined aluminum, copper, and glass. By reusing these materials, Qcells reduces energy use and carbon emissions tied to production.
In 2023, the Qcells division took responsibility by launching an extended producer responsibility (EPR) program and setting up an eco-friendly system to recycle waste panels.
Additionally, Solarcycle’s advanced resource separation can recover up to 95% of materials in a panel. This means less waste in landfills and fewer carbon emissions from mining and transporting raw materials. With solar panel waste expected to reach 76 million tons globally by 2030, EcoRecycle helps ease that future burden.
Boosting the U.S. Solar Sector
The U.S. solar sector is rapidly growing, currently valued at $20 billion. It will continue to expand as more homes and businesses adopt solar. However, this growth also creates more waste unless recycling becomes standard.
By launching EcoRecycle, Qcells prepares for future regulations and market demands. Currently, there are no national laws for solar panel recycling, though some states are starting to discuss it. If these laws pass, Qcells will be well-positioned to start early.
Recycling also reduces the solar industry’s reliance on imports for key materials, protecting companies from price changes. This stability gives manufacturers reliable domestic supplies of materials.
Trends Driving Solar Panel Recycling
In the renewable energy sector, companies are focusing more on the entire product lifecycle. This means designing solar technology for both performance and end-of-life management. More firms invest in recycling to maximize the value of their materials.
Businesses and governments promote a circular economy in solar, where products are reused or remade instead of being discarded. This approach reduces waste and supports long-term sustainability goals. Initiatives like Qcells’ EcoRecycle show this strategy in action.
Industry experts agree that effective recycling will shape the next phase of solar growth. According to EIA’s latest forecast, the US expects 63GW of new utility-scale power projects in 2025, with solar PV leading the way. Utility-scale solar PV will contribute 32.5GW, making up 52% of the total.
However, this growth brings increased waste. If recycling doesn’t keep pace, the solar boom could lead to major environmental challenges.
EcoRecycle addresses the urgent need for infrastructure to manage outdated and damaged panels. With Solarcycle’s advanced recovery technology, Qcells takes an early lead in a market with few large-scale recyclers. This offers both environmental and competitive advantages.
Public pressure is also growing. Consumers want to know what happens to products after they use them. They prefer brands that act responsibly. Qcells’ program meets this demand. It builds trust with an audience that cares about sustainable energy choices.
EcoRecycle Sets a New Standard in Solar Tech Management
EcoRecycle sets a new standard for responsible solar tech management. Growth is important, but the solar industry must handle its waste. If it doesn’t, it risks undermining its green mission. Hanwha Qcells is an example of this by its investment in recycling. They offer a roadmap for others to follow.
As technology advances and regulations change, recycling will likely become central to solar economics. Qcells’ proactive approach lets it shape the market while helping reduce emissions and landfill waste. It’s not just about solar power; it’s about building a sustainable future.
With EcoRecycle, Qcells has taken a significant step forward. It paves the way for a future where energy is clean, smart, and sustainable.
