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Solar Panel Recycling in South Africa

Old and hail-damaged solar panels stacked on pallets for recycling

Rooftop solar and utility-scale PV have grown quickly across South Africa, and panels, inverters and batteries are starting to reach the end of their working life. Send one request for solar panel recycling and we pass it to an independent recycler in your area, who will quote to collect damaged or old panels, inverters and associated equipment.

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What is recovered in solar panel recycling

A crystalline silicon panel is mostly glass and an aluminium frame, with a thin layer of silicon cells, copper wiring, a plastic backsheet and small amounts of silver. Recyclers remove the frame and junction box, then process the laminate to recover glass and metals. Some panel types contain other materials that need specialist treatment, so tell the recycler the make and model if you know it. Panels should not go to landfill, and recovering the glass and aluminium keeps useful material in circulation.

Damaged panels, reuse and solar panel recycling South Africa

Hail, storms, fire and installation damage are common reasons for panels to come down early. Panels that still produce power may be tested and sold for reuse, which is often better than recycling. When you request solar panel recycling South Africa quotes, include:

  • Number of panels, wattage and approximate age
  • Whether they are cracked, burnt or still working
  • Whether they are already removed or still on the roof
  • Insurance paperwork that needs a disposal certificate

Inverter disposal and solar battery disposal

Inverters, charge controllers and monitoring units are electronic equipment and fall under e-waste, covered by the Extended Producer Responsibility regulations for electrical and electronic equipment. Inverter disposal is usually straightforward for a recycler. Solar batteries are different: lithium and lead-acid batteries need safe transport and specialist processing, so see our lithium battery recycling service for solar battery disposal.

How to choose a recycler for solar panel recycling

The lowest price is not always the best deal when it comes to e-waste. When you receive your quote, check:

  • Compliance – ask whether the recycler is registered with a producer responsibility scheme, holds the waste licences its operations need, and can name ISO 14001 or similar certifications.
  • Paperwork – make sure you will receive a certificate of recycling or safe disposal, and a certificate of data destruction listing serial numbers where data is involved.
  • Downstream – find out where materials go after collection, and that nothing ends up in landfill or illegal export.
  • Total cost or value – compare collection, handling and any rebate for items with value, not only the headline rate.

Our service matches your request with a recycler who serves your area, so you can check these points before you commit. It costs nothing and you are under no obligation to accept the quote.

Request a solar panel recycling quote

To get an accurate quote quickly, include:

  • Number of panels, their wattage and whether any still work
  • Number and type of inverters and batteries
  • Whether the system is still installed or already removed
  • Whether you need a certificate for an insurance claim

Frequently asked questions

Can broken solar panels be recycled?
Yes. Cracked and hail-damaged panels can be recycled for their glass, aluminium and metals. Keep broken panels stacked flat and covered to stop further breakage before collection.
Will a recycler buy my old solar panels?
Working panels may attract an offer for reuse. Damaged panels usually do not, and there may be a handling fee. The quote will make this clear.

Solar Panel Recycling by province

Solar Panel Recycling by city

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