{"id":52872,"date":"2025-11-24T13:47:42","date_gmt":"2025-11-24T12:47:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.axfoundation.se\/?p=52872"},"modified":"2025-11-24T13:47:54","modified_gmt":"2025-11-24T12:47:54","slug":"wanted-a-system-for-longer-solar-panel-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.axfoundation.se\/en\/news\/wanted-a-system-for-longer-solar-panel-life","title":{"rendered":"Wanted: A System for Longer Solar Panel Life"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Solar energy is growing steadily in Sweden \u2013 but the way we handle solar panels is still largely linear. A new systems analysis within CircSolar<\/a> shows that significant resources risk being lost when panels are taken out of use \u2013 but also that there are strong opportunities to create a more circular system. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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The goal of CircSolar is to develop a proposal for a new national system for the circular management of solar panels. Photo: Svea Solar <\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Today, solar power accounts for 4.5 percent of global electricity production, but it\u2019s expected to become the largest renewable source by 2029<\/a>. At the same time, more than 100 million tons of solar panel waste are projected to accumulate worldwide by 2050<\/a> \u2013 representing a material value of over 150 billion dollars<\/a>.<\/p>\n

In Sweden, the solar panel market is growing. In 2024, 41,400 installations were connected to the electricity grid, with a total installed capacity of 847 MW. Today, solar power accounts for around two percent of Sweden\u2019s electricity mix<\/a>. The challenges related to end-of-life panels are still minor, but the volumes are expected to increase significantly in the future.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Everything Becomes Electronic Waste<\/h4>\n

At present, end-of-life solar panels are largely handled together with other electronic waste, meaning they are included in the same broad waste stream governed by the requirements of the WEEE Directive<\/a> (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment). Under this European regulatory framework, the waste stream must be processed so that at least 80% of the materials are recycled, with the intention that these materials are recovered in a way that enables their use in new products.<\/p>\n

However, the flow of solar panels entering this waste stream is far from homogeneous. It consists of both new and old panels, functioning and non-functioning, which today end up in one of four treatment pathways: material recycling, energy recovery, landfill, or export. As a result, they are often processed in systems that are not always adapted to the specific materials or construction of solar panels.<\/p>\n

As the volume of solar panels reaching the waste stream increases, so does the need for new and more specialized recycling technologies. To meet the goal of 80% material recycling set out in the WEEE Directive, new collection and recycling lines specifically designed for solar panels are therefore gradually being established across Europe.<\/p>\n

We\u2019re seeing many different types of decommissioned solar panels that leave the system \u2013 from unsold inventory and transport damages to functional.<\/p>\n

\u2013 Beatriz P\u00e9rez Horno, researcher in circular economy at KTH Royal Institute of Technology.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\u2013 We\u2019re seeing many different types of decommissioned solar panels that leave the system \u2013 from unsold inventory and transport damages to functional, yet slightly degraded, panels replaced prematurely during so-called repowering. Many of these panels still work, and in some cases, they are completely unused, but today there are no markets in place to favor their reuse, says Beatriz P\u00e9rez Horno, researcher in circular economy at KTH Royal Institute of Technology.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Six critical flows where solar panel potential is lost<\/h2>\n
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  1. Unsold overstock.<\/strong> Panels that although imported, never\u00a0reach the market and installation due to consumer preferences\u00a0on newer models.<\/li>\n
  2. New but broken during transport and installation.<\/strong> Panels\u00a0damaged in transit or during installation, with failures ranging\u00a0from aesthetic defects to functional issues.<\/li>\n
  3. Early losses<\/strong> (broken within 2 years). Panels that fail\u00a0prematurely due to internal defects or external factors.<\/li>\n
  4. Mid-life losses<\/strong> (broken between 12-30 years). Panels that\u00a0fail before reaching their full expected lifespan due to internal\u00a0defects or external factors.<\/li>\n
  5. Panels discarded during repowering.<\/strong> Still-functional panels\u00a0replaced with newer, more efficient models. The replaced\u00a0panels do not get repurposed in the current system.<\/li>\n
  6. End-of-life panels. <\/strong>These refer to those panels that are used\u00a0until they are worn out due to internal factors.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Source: Beatriz P\u00e9rez Horno<\/a><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n

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    Unsold Stock and New Initiatives<\/h4>\n

    An unexpected insight from the CircSolar project\u2019s systems analysis is how many solar panels never even reach installation. Consumers tend to prefer the latest models, which means that older panels risk remaining in storage.<\/p>\n

    To address this, the solar energy company Svea Solar has tested an offer allowing customers to purchase older models at a lower price.<\/p>\n

    \u2013 In this way, we can make better use of available resources while offering our customers a more cost-effective option, says Alison Wren, Head of Residential Hardware at Svea Solar.<\/p>\n

    This demonstrates that the industry can already take steps to reduce resource loss \u2013 even within today\u2019s linear system.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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    Repowering: When Functioning Panels Are Replaced<\/h4>\n

    The analysis also shows that rapid technological development and falling prices create a risk that many solar panels are replaced prematurely, even though they are still functional. This phenomenon, known as repowering, means that working panels are replaced with newer and more efficient technology. This presents a clear sustainability challenge, as there are currently no effective ways to extend the lifespan of used panels. As a result, fully functional solar panels may go straight to recycling \u2013 a process that is inefficient from both a resource and climate perspective.<\/p>\n

    With a theoretical lifespan of around 30 years, it would be more resource-efficient to keep panels in use longer, rather than replacing them after just 10\u201315 years.<\/p>\n

    The most advantageous option is to let the panels remain in their installations for as long as possible. When they do need to be replaced, a functioning second-hand market would be a far better choice than sending the panels straight to recycling.<\/p>\n

    Today, however, that market remains weak. This is due to a combination of rapid technological development, falling prices for new panels, high handling costs, and a lack of effective systems for the collection, testing, and quality assurance of used panels.<\/p>\n

    If there were effective systems for take-back, testing, and certification of used panels, we would gladly explore how they could be resold.<\/p>\n

    \u2013 Alison Wren, Head of Residential Hardware at Svea Solar<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    Taken together, these factors make it difficult for used solar panels to compete with new ones in today\u2019s system. For reuse to become a realistic option in the future, a cost-effective handling is required, and solutions that create confidence among customers. Or, as Alison Wren puts it:<\/p>\n

    \u2013 It\u2019s important that panels meet high standards of quality and safety. If there were effective systems for take-back, testing, and certification of used panels, we would gladly explore how they could be resold.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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    Design Challenges and Upcoming Requirements<\/h4>\n

    Today\u2019s solar panels consist of about 60\u201367 percent glass, 16 percent aluminum, 11 percent plastic, 4 percent silicon, and around 1 percent metals such as silver and copper. Yet materials and quantities vary from model to model. At the same time, problematic substances like PFAS and antimony are present \u2013 making circularity and recycling more difficult.<\/p>\n

    This is where the EU\u2019s new Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR)<\/a> and upcoming Digital Product Passports could play a crucial role.<\/p>\n

    \u2013 To advance the circularity of the system, data transparency and proper recording of the materials, designs, and models of panels being imported and deployed is crucial. Digital product passports have been on the table for a while, but putting these measures in place takes time, says Beatriz P\u00e9rez Horno.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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    Beatriz P\u00e9rez Horno works as Doctoral student at KTH. She has a engineer in Industrial Design and Product Development specialized in Circular Economy and Sustainability. Photo: KTH<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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    Recycling \u2013 A System in Development<\/h4>\n

    At present, there is no specific waste code for solar panels, which means they may end up being mixed with all other electronic waste. The research institute RISE and the Swedish Energy Agency have therefore recommended that solar panels be given their own waste category. This would make both recycling and data collection easier.<\/p>\n

    We\u2019ve tested advanced recycling methods in the Netherlands with good results and expect to invest in a dedicated recycling line in Sweden as volumes increase.<\/p>\n

    \u2013 Sven Jonsson, Technical Advisor at the recycling company REMONDIS<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    \u2013 The glass, which makes up 60\u201370 percent of a panel, is particularly challenging. It\u2019s unclear whether it can meet the high-quality requirements demanded by the market. We\u2019ve tested advanced recycling methods in the Netherlands with good results and expect to invest in a dedicated recycling line in Sweden as volumes increase, says Sven Jonsson, Technical Advisor at the recycling company REMONDIS.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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    When Will the Volumes Come?<\/h4>\n

    Analyses of future waste volumes within the CircSolar project show that the amount of end-of-life panels is expected to increase faster over the next 5\u201310 years than previously predicted. The reason is that many of the early installations are now approaching the end of their lifespan \u2013 and repowering could accelerate this development even further.<\/p>\n

    \u2013 Just because we haven\u2019t yet seen the large volumes doesn\u2019t mean they aren\u2019t about to arrive. Circularity requires us to act proactively rather than reactively. We need to have solutions and plans in place before we find ourselves facing piles of discarded panels with no clear strategy for handling them. Otherwise, there\u2019s a real risk that suboptimal measures will be taken and valuable resources will be lost, emphasizes Beatriz P\u00e9rez Horno<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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    Next Step: A Circular Roadmap<\/h4>\n

    With a clearer understanding of how today\u2019s system operates, the CircSolar project is now ready to take the next step \u2013 to develop a circular roadmap for solar panels in Sweden. It will guide the transition toward a more resource-efficient and circular management of solar panels throughout their entire life cycle.<\/p>\n

    This gives us a strong foundation as we take the next step toward a shared roadmap.<\/p>\n

    \u2013 Johanna Olofsson Behrman, Project Manager Future Materials, Axfoundation<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    \u2013 Through collaboration across the entire value chain and KTH\u2019s systems analysis, we\u2019ve gained valuable insights into how solar panels can be managed more sustainably. This gives us a strong foundation as we take the next step toward a shared roadmap, concludes Johanna Olofsson Behrman, Project Manager at CircSolar.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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    About the CircSolar Project<\/h2>\n
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    The goal of CircSolar is to develop a proposal for a new national system for the circular management of solar panels. By bringing together stakeholders from across the value chain, the project has created a platform to discuss current challenges and potential solutions \u2013 laying the foundation for addressing a complex issue collaboratively.<\/p>\n

    The aim is to help develop a system that extends the lifespan of solar panels, optimizes material recycling, and contributes to a more sustainable and circular future for the solar energy industry.<\/p>\n

    CircSolar is led by Axfoundation, El-kretsen<\/a>\u00a0(a Swedish provider of collection systems for consumer electronics),\u00a0KTH Royal Institute of Technology<\/a>,\u00a0REMONDIS<\/a>,\u00a0Stena Recycling<\/a>, and\u00a0Svea Solar<\/a>. The reference group includes\u00a0AxSol<\/a>, Alight,\u00a0INGKA Group (IKEA<\/a>), Nordcell<\/a>, N\u00e4tverket f\u00f6r solparker<\/a>, RISE,\u00a0SolTech Energy<\/a>,\u00a0Sonat<\/a>,\u00a0The Sunshine Fund<\/a>,\u00a0Sesol,\u00a0<\/a>EnergiEngagemang<\/a>,\u00a0<\/a>Driva<\/a> and the\u00a0Swedish Solar Energy Association<\/a>. The work is supported by Vinnova.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n

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    Contact<\/h2>\n