SPR recently released a whitepaper examining the pitfalls of all-too-common—and increasingly risky—end-of-life (EOL) solar practices tied to panel reuse. Below is a high-level overview. For the full analysis, download the complete whitepaper and explore how true recycling helps avoid serious regulatory, financial, and reputational risk.
‘True Recycling versus Reuse of EOL PV:
How Regulatory and Economic Realities Are Fueling Greenwashing and Unethical Waste Management’
By Finley Collins, Circularity Research Analyst at SPR
Responsible end-of-life (EOL) management has become a critical issue for the U.S. solar industry as early installations age and repowering accelerates. Yet discussions around best practices often default to a familiar refrain: “Why recycle when we can reuse?”
At first glance, reuse may sound like the ideal solution: extend a panel’s life, avoid recycling costs, and support a circular economy. But the reality is far more complicated.
As a recycler founded by industry veterans, SPR knows reuse. Since beginning reuse-focused R&D in 2018, our team has explored vetted, responsible, and ethical pathways for panel reuse. What we’ve found instead are significant regulatory and logistical constraints, limited financial viability, a lack of domestic demand, and (most troubling) a growing number of off takers hiding sham recycling practices under the guise of reuse.
Why reuse often falls short
- Interconnection standards create a regulatory roadblock for panel reuse
- Secondary markets lack the capacity to absorb volume
- The economics don’t add up with the cost of refurbishing exceeding the panel value
- Reuse claims can mask dirty export dumping practices – leaving owners at risk
Sham recycling creates lasting liability.
SPR has encountered brokers focused solely on aluminum recovery, stripping frames and abandoning remaining materials, sometimes leaving asset owners legally responsible years later.
Why true recycling offers a safer path forward
True recycling is a proven, transparent alternative. SPR’s process recovers over 95% of a panel’s materials, including glass, aluminum, silicon, copper, and silver, returning them to productive supply chains while protecting compliance, reputation, and long-term risk.
This overview only scratches the surface. Download the full whitepaper to learn how SPR helps stakeholders navigate reuse versus recycling decisions with confidence.