Are solar panels recyclable? What happens after 25 years?

April 26, 2025

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What happens to your solar panels after 25 years?

Solar panels are built to last, but like all technology, they eventually reach the end of their useful life. Fortunately, panels don’t stop working after 25 years – they just produce less. But what happens when it’s time to replace them?

Solar panel lifespan explained

Most panels come with a 25-year performance warranty, meaning they’ll still produce around 80 percent of their original output after that time. Some panels last 30 years or more, but performance degradation makes replacement inevitable.

How long do solar panels really last?

With proper maintenance and installation, many systems last 30 to 35 years. Even beyond that, they may continue to operate at lower output levels. However, for homeowners looking to maintain maximum efficiency and savings, replacing aging panels becomes a smart choice.

Can solar panels be recycled?

Yes. Most solar panels are made from recyclable materials like:

Tempered glass
Aluminum framing
Silicon solar cells
Copper wiring and connectors

Recycling programs are expanding as the number of retired panels grows. In the U.S., there are a growing number of recycling facilities specifically built to handle solar panel waste.

What does the recycling process look like?

The panel is manually dismantled.
Glass and metal are separated and sent for reuse.
Silicon wafers and rare metals are recovered and purified.

These materials are then used to manufacture new panels or other products, keeping them out of landfills and reducing demand for raw resources.

Why panel recycling matters

As the solar industry scales, proper recycling is critical. It’s estimated that over 8 million metric tons of solar panel waste could be generated globally by 2030. Recycling ensures:

Less environmental impact
Recovery of valuable raw materials
Growth of a circular, green energy economy

What Sky Solar Pro does

We go beyond installation. When it’s time to replace or upgrade your system, we offer end-of-life panel collection and certified recycling services. Our team handles everything from safe removal to transporting materials to licensed recycling facilities.

We believe going solar should be clean from start to finish – and that includes what happens after 25 years.

Want to upgrade your aging solar panels? We’ll help you do it sustainably.

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