Guide: what to do with solar panels at end of life
Steps for decommissioning, storing and recycling solar panels retired from solar parks, commercial rooftops and installations.
Steps to follow
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Plan the decommissioning
Set the number of panels, their type and the removal date. Include inverters and cables in the plan.
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Dismantle with qualified staff
Panels can generate voltage in light. Trained installers with suitable equipment should remove them.
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Handle with care
Do not let panels break. Broken glass makes recycling harder and raises risks.
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Store protected
Stack panels on flat surfaces, covered and shielded from impact, until pickup.
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Hand over for recycling
A collector takes the panels to recover glass, aluminium, copper and silicon. Keep the documents.
Common mistakes
- Breaking panels during removal
- Storing outdoors without protection
- Mixing with construction waste
Checklist
- Decommissioning plan
- Qualified staff
- Intact, protected panels
- Handover documents
Informational guide. Exact legal requirements depend on your situation; consult the competent authorities or an environmental consultant.
Frequently asked questions
Do you recycle solar panels?
Yes. End-of-life panels are dismantled and the glass, aluminium, copper and silicon are recovered.
What documents do I get for ESG reporting?
Transport and handover documents, records by category and, for secure destruction, a destruction record. They support your own records; reporting remains your company’s responsibility.
Who do I contact for a quote?
Email info@weee-do-recycling.com with the waste type, quantity and pickup location.