Europe Solar Panel Recycling Market Growth Prospects 2024-2032

Europe Solar Panel Recycling Market Growth Prospects 2024-2032

As per Triton’s research report, the Europe solar panel recycling market is estimated to progress at a CAGR of 15.46% during the forecast years 2024-2032.

Net metering, widely implemented across Europe, provides financial incentives that encourage the adoption of solar panels by homeowners and businesses. This trend is likely to boost the solar panel sector while also increasing the number of panels reaching the end of their lifecycle. European Union regulations, such as the Renewable Energy Directive and the Solar Energy Strategy, play a pivotal role in shaping policies that promote the integration of solar energy systems. The European Union’s commitment to generating around 45% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030 positions the solar panel market for substantial growth.

The countries evaluated in this region comprise Spain, France, UK, Germany, France, Poland, and Rest of Europe.

Germany leads with the highest share, obtaining around $25.98 million in 2023

Germany is expected to face a significant rise in solar panel waste as early solar installations approach their end-of-life (EOL) phase. By 2025, the annual volume of solar panel waste could reach 22,000 tons, as per industry sources.

Researchers in Germany are developing new technologies to make solar panel recycling more efficient. For instance, Fraunhofer ISE has pioneered methods to recycle silicon from discarded solar panels to produce new high-efficiency cells.

Under Germany’s implementation of the EU Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive, at least 85% of PV module waste must be collected and recycled. Efforts are underway to develop better recycling processes, including innovations to improve the recovery of valuable materials like silicon.

Market Forecast for Italy

The solar panel recycling market in Italy is set for significant growth as the country continues to expand its renewable energy infrastructure, especially in solar photovoltaics. Italy has an increasing volume of aging PV installations, which are approaching the end of their 25–30-year lifecycle. This creates a growing need for efficient recycling solutions. The nation has been actively involved in EU-led initiatives, such as the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) directive, which mandates responsible recycling of solar panels. Additionally, programs like PV CYCLE, a European association for PV recycling, offer services in Italy to ensure that panels are properly disposed of and recycled.

The market is sub-segment as per shelf life, process, end-user, and technology. The division based on shelf life includes normal and early loss.

The normal loss segment refers to the period during which solar panels naturally degrade and become inefficient, typically after 25 to 30 years of use. As solar panels age, their efficiency declines due to exposure to environmental factors such as UV radiation, temperature fluctuations, and mechanical stress. Recycling these panels is crucial to recovering valuable materials like silicon, glass, and metals, which can be reused in the production of new solar panels or other technologies. This segment is expected to grow as the first generation of large-scale solar installations approaches the end of its useful life.

Contender Analysis in the Solar Panel Recycling Market:

Aurubis AG is a leading producer and supplier of non-ferrous metals, with a focus on processing complex metal concentrates, scrap metals, and metal-bearing materials to produce a variety of metals. Its core offerings include copper cathodes alongside an extensive range of copper and copper alloy products. In addition to copper, Aurubis produces precious metals like gold and silver, as well as other metals, including lead, tin, zinc, and trace metals. The company operates manufacturing facilities across Germany, Belgium, Bulgaria, Finland, the Netherlands, and the United States, with its headquarters based in Hamburg, Germany.

Other key companies in the market include Sharp Corporation, Echo Environmental, First Solar Inc, First Solar Inc, and Canadian Solar.

EUROPE SOLAR PANEL RECYCLING MARKET 2024-2032.pdf