Solar Panel Recycling Facilities

EcoRecycle facility operations have officially begun in Cartersville, Georgia, as Qcells unveils its first dedicated solar panel recycling center in the United States. This marks a significant milestone as Qcells becomes the nation’s first crystalline silicon (C-Si) solar manufacturer to integrate both panel production and recycling on American soil.

The EcoRecycle plant will process up to 250 MW of solar panels annually -- roughly 500,000 units -- recovering materials like aluminum, silver, copper, and glass for reintegration into the manufacturing supply chain. This circular approach aims to reduce carbon emissions and support domestic sourcing while addressing the growing challenge of solar waste. The facility also features advanced sorting technology to ensure the separation of high-purity materials, thereby enhancing the quality and value of the recycled content.

With plans to expand nationwide, Qcells is setting a precedent for sustainable solar manufacturing as the U.S. prepares to handle an estimated 10 million tons of decommissioned panels by 2050.

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