Solar Panel Recycling Done Right:
A Q&A with SolarPanelRecycling.com VP of Compliance, Brian Beinarauskas, on Best Practices, Urgency, and Awareness
Brian Beinarauskas, SolarPanelRecycling.com (SPR) VP of Compliance, shares insights into the best practices that set SPR apart. From true recycling and clean commodity separation, to maximizing the reuse of high-value materials, Brian explains how SPR is driving a more sustainable future for solar. In this in-depth Q&A, he discusses the urgency of recycling as the demand for raw materials grows and regulations evolve.
Can you explain the difference between true recycling and incomplete recycling, and why is it critical for a sustainable, circular solar economy?
With solar adoption accelerating, the volume of decommissioned panels is expected to reach 1 million tons annually by 2030 and 10 million tons by 2050. Without effective recycling, much of this material risks ending up in landfills, wasting valuable resources and increasing environmental impact. Our method not only diverts waste but also reduces the demand for newly mined raw materials—further lowering carbon emissions and supporting a truly circular economy.
True solar panel recycling means achieving clean commodity separation—recovering all materials within a PV module, including aluminum, glass, silicon, metals, and plastics—so they can be reintroduced into the manufacturing supply chain. Unlike common, incomplete recycling methods that co-mingle materials and recover a low percentage of the panel to actually be recycled, our advanced mechanical processes ensure high-purity material recovery, maximizing commodity reuse potential across industries. Furthermore, we always encourage our customers to audit their recyclers through in-person facility tours, seeing the recycling process firsthand when possible.
Aside from clean separation of materials, what other best practices does SPR implement to ensure maximum efficiency and minimum footprint?
True recycling is going beyond just material recovery—we prioritize logistics and operations efficiencies, regulatory compliance, and emissions reduction.
In any situation where a customer has a panel recycling need, whether it be from a new project in the construction phase, damage cleaned up by an O&M, or a repower event, SPR really aims to provide a consultative, wholistic approach. This includes understanding the site itself, panel type, along with condition for our team to offer guidance in work-flow, palletization, banding, and loading methods resulting in the maximization of truck space, reducing labor and transport costs for our customers.
Regulatory compliance is another critical aspect. With 31 states implementing decommissioning regulations, staying ahead of evolving laws is essential. Our expert compliance team helps clients navigate these changes, ensuring their projects meet environmental standards while minimizing liability and reinforcing ESG commitments.
Finally, operational efficiency also sets SPR apart—thanks to our nationwide recycling network, we’ve been able to keep transportation-related emissions at a minimum, making the process even more sustainable.
Why is it becoming increasingly crucial for the solar industry to take recycling seriously?
The biggest misconception is that solar waste is a distant problem. In reality, it’s here and now, and the industry must act. While panels are designed to last 25–30 years, a wave of repowering projects and unexpected damage is accelerating their early retirement. In fact, the majority of solar waste today comes from construction breakage (40%), weather events (25%), and O&M failures (25%). However, within just five years, decommissioning and repowering will account for upwards of 80% of the potential waste stream.
Fortunately, the landscape is shifting. Recycling costs have dropped 42% in the last three years due to economies of scale and strategically located facilities. Policies are also evolving—31 states now have decommissioning regulations, and federal initiatives are moving toward reclassifying solar panels as universal waste, which will encourage responsible recycling.
By embracing true recycling, solar stakeholders can uphold environmental responsibility, strengthen American supply chain resilience, and ensure that clean energy remains clean—through every stage of its lifecycle.
What are the biggest challenges facing the solar recycling industry and how is SPR best positioned to make a positive impact?
The adoption rate of solar panel recycling is one of the biggest challenges due to a lack of understanding of its importance. Many people, including those in the solar industry, often overlook the need for recycling, or as mentioned above believe it to be a problem in the distant future. As a result, the idea of managing end-of-life panels has not received enough attention, leading to low adoption rates of recycling programs.
The good news is that we are uniquely positioned to break this cycle. By securing large-scale contracts with utilities, developers, and O&M providers, we ensure a continuous stream of retired panels flows into our AI-powered, automated recycling lines. This steady input allows us to produce high-purity commodities at scale, making them viable alternatives to manufacturers who would otherwise mine for materials.
Another key hurdle, beyond availability, is awareness. Despite the environmental benefits, landfilling remains a cheaper and more common option. That’s why SPR actively works with policymakers, utilities, and industry leaders to promote responsible recycling and drive down costs through economies of scale.
The future of solar recycling depends on infrastructure, technological innovation, policy, and education all working together. With a growing network of facilities, industry partnerships, and a commitment to true circularity, we are proving that sustainable solar recycling isn’t just possible—it’s essential.
Take the Next Step Toward Responsible Solar Recycling
As decommissioned panels pile up, proactive recycling isn’t just a responsible choice—it’s a necessity.
Whether you’re repowering a large-scale solar project, managing O&M operations, or simply planning ahead, ensuring your panels are recycled the right way protects both your investment and the environment. At SolarPanelRecycling.com, we make true recycling accessible, cost-effective, and compliant with evolving regulations. Let’s work together to keep solar clean from start to finish.
Ready to make an impact? Contact our team today to explore your solar panel recycling options.