Are Solar Panels Recyclable Or Are They Toxic To The Environment?
The Lifetime of Solar Panels
How long do solar panels last? Most people have this question in their minds when they consider installing solar panels in Sydney. According to studies, the average life expectancy of solar panels is about 20-25 years before decommissioning.
During the life of solar panels, a 20 percent decrease in power capacity could occur. Between the first 10 to 12 years after installation, the maximum efficiency reduction is 10 percent, and 20 percent when reaching 25 years.
The common belief about solar panels is that they are not recyclable. It is a myth. It is a slow and detailed process that needs time to be widely implemented and requires more research to reach its full potential of adequately recycling all the solar panel components.
Solar Panel Recycling Processes
Silicon-based solar panels in Sydney are widely used for residential installation as well as commercial installation. Silicon-based solar panels can be recycled using distinct industrial processes. Currently, silicon-based panels are more common, though that does not mean that there would not be great value in the materials of thin-film-based cells.
Solar energy in Sydney is inexpensive and environmentally friendly – until your solar panels have reached the end of their lifetime. After about 25-30 years, your silicon solar panels will start having significant dips in energy generation, and it may be the perfect time to replace them or dispose of them entirely.
Silicon-Based Solar Panel Recycling
Usually, the recycling process of silicon-based solar panels starts with disassembling the actual product to separate aluminium and glass parts. Among that, 95% of the glass can be reused, and also all the external metal parts on solar panels are used for re-moulding cell frames. The other remaining materials are treated at 500°C in a thermal processing unit to ease up the binding between the cell elements. Due to the extreme heat, leaving the silicon cells ready to be further processed.
While silicon wafers are not recyclable like other solar panels, i.e., glass and plastic, some specified recycling companies can reuse silicon cells by melting them down. Broken silicon wafers are melted to be used again for manufacturing new silicon modules, resulting in an 85% recycling rate of the silicon material.
Save the environment with Solar panels Sydney.
While solar panel recycling isn’t widely popular in Australia for each of the components in solar panels, there’s still a bit of time before the number of solar panels needing to be recycled gets too high.
Solar panel recycling may not be widespread and much followed yet, but solar energy is still a significant financial investment that helps you save heavily on your energy bills and is environmentally friendly, reducing your carbon footprint. By going solar now, you can bring your electric bill up to $0 and start saving right away. Call AYKA Solar today and get free quotes from our team of solar experts so you can begin the process of going solar.
