Publication - End-of-life Management for a Circular Economy: Solar PV Panels

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Title

End-of-life Management for a Circular Economy: Solar PV Panels

Publisher

IRENA

Author

IRENA

Published in

July 2026

Abstract

The energy transition has accelerated the deployment of solar PV panels, which have a lifecycle of around 30 years, raising concerns about their end-of-life management. The annual volume of end-of-life solar PV panels globally is projected to exceed 3 million tonnes by 2035, increasing to over 25 million tonnes by 2050. Adopting a circular economy for end-of-life solar PV panels can prevent future waste streams and associated environmental impacts. It can also create socio-economic benefits for local communities and address challenges related to rising material demand.

The end-of-life solar PV panels require improved environmental regulations, dedicated infrastructure, innovations in technologies and business models, and stakeholder engagement. The circular economy principles, “reduce”, “reuse” and “recycle”, can play a key role in the sustainable management of end-of-life solar PV. ·

• “Reduce” involves measures to minimise waste generation from the design and production phases and to make solar PV easier to reuse and recycle without compromising performance.
• “Reuse” aims to extend the service life of decommissioned solar PV panels and components based on repairing, refurbishment, testing and certification.
• “Recycle” focuses on the recovery of metals and materials through mechanical, chemical and thermal treatment processes.

Adopting the circular economy requires a holistic policy framework to overcome the barriers - such as unregulated e-waste recycling and the absence of market demand and standardisation - to the adoption and expansion of sustainable practices for end-of-life solar PV. Policies, like the extended producer responsibility (EPR) are proven and effective measures for defining the financial and implementation responsibilities for the takeback and treatment of end-of-life solar PV panels. Other policies and measures include strategies, targets and road maps, as well as appropriate environmental regulations to prevent unsustainable, unregulated collection and treatment of solar PV panels.

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• Energy Transition

• Policies and Regulations

• Solar

• Other