If your photovoltaic installation is already 25 years old or you are simply thinking of renewing it, you will surely have a key question: what do I do with the old panels?
The good news is that in Girona you have several simple and safe options to manage them. And the most important thing: recycling the panels is not only a legal obligation, it is also an act of responsibility towards the planet.
In this practical guide you will discover how to recycle solar panels in Girona, what options you have and why this gesture is so important for sustainability.
Recycling of solar panels in girona: choose the best option
The easiest option: the clean point of your municipality
The municipal clean points accept solar panels because they are considered electrical and electronic waste. They are deposited there free of charge and ensure that they reach an authorized manager.
The most convenient option: authorized management companies
There are companies in Girona that take care of collecting, dismantling and issuing a recycling certificate for your panels. Some even offer home collection. This is the ideal alternative if you manage several panels or a larger installation.
The smarter option: leave it to your installer
If you are going to replace the panels with new ones, the installation company is obliged by law to take care of the recycling of the old ones if you request it. At Fotovol we comply with the regulations and you will not have to worry about the management of additional procedures.
Why it pays to recycle solar panels
Recycling solar panels is not only a technical issue, it is a necessity that combines economic value, environmental commitment and legal obligation.
On the one hand, the panels are composed of very valuable materials: aluminum, 100 % recyclable; glass, with 95 % recovery; and others such as silicon, copper or silver. All of them can be returned to the production chain, reducing dependence on new raw materials and promoting a more responsible use of resources.
In addition, proper management avoids an environmental risk. An abandoned or poorly treated plate can release polluting substances. Recycling, on the other hand, ensures that such waste is turned into opportunities, closing the cycle of the circular economy.
Finally, we must not forget that recycling is mandatory by law. European (Directive 2012/19/EU) and Spanish regulations clearly state that solar panels are electrical and electronic waste requiring specialized treatment. Throwing them in the regular trash or leaving them on public roads is not only illegal, but can also lead to penalties.
A high-tech process for a greener future
Recycling a solar panel is almost a reverse engineering process:
- The aluminum frame is removed, 100% reusable.
- Glass is separated (95% recyclable).
- The panel undergoes heat treatment to remove plastics and silicones.
- Silicon wafers and metals such as copper or silver are recovered.
Result: up to 90 % of the material can be returned to the industry, ready to manufacture new panels, electronic components or even building materials.
Recycling processes: thermal vs. mechanical
There are two main methods for recycling solar panels: thermal and mechanical. Both have the same objective: to recover as many materials as possible and give them a second life.
Thermal process
In this method, the panels are placed in an oven at high temperatures. The heat removes the plastics and silicones that hold the different layers of the panel together. Once these compounds have been removed, it is easier to separate the glass and the metals present, such as aluminum or copper. The materials are then ready to be recycled and reused in new industrial processes.
Mechanical process
The technique is different here: instead of applying heat, the panels are crushed into smaller pieces. This shredded material then undergoes various separation and chemical treatment stages to extract the various components individually: glass, metals, silicon, etc. This method is particularly useful for making use of even the smallest fractions of material.
In both cases, the result is the same: up to 90 % of the materials in a solar panel can be recovered and returned to the industry to manufacture new products or even other panels.
Solar panel recycling regulations
- European Directive 2012/19/EU (WEEE). → regulates the management of electrical and electronic waste, including solar panels.
- Royal Decree 110/2015 (Spain) → obliges to recycle photovoltaic panels and makes manufacturers and installers responsible for their correct management.
Benefits of solar panel recycling
- Reduction of emissions and pollution.
- Saving of natural resources.
- Reduced use of landfills.
- Boosting the circular economy.
- Job creation in the recycling sector.
Frequently asked questions about the recycling of solar panels in girona
Where to recycle solar panels in Girona?
You can take them to a municipal clean point or contact an authorized waste management company. If you install new panels, the installation company must take care of removing and recycling the old ones.
Is it mandatory to recycle solar panels?
Yes. European regulations (Directive 2012/19/EU) and Royal Decree 110/2015 in Spain establish that photovoltaic panels are electrical and electronic waste that must be managed in a specialized manner.
How much does it cost to recycle a solar panel?
The cost depends on the type of panel and the authorized manager. For reference, recycling can cost between €500 and €1,100 per ton. The cost is often borne by the installation company when replacing your equipment.
What is done with the recycled materials from a solar panel?
They are reused to manufacture new solar panels, electronic components, construction materials or glass and aluminum packaging.
What happens if I do not recycle solar panels correctly?
Abandoning or disposing of the panels in the regular garbage is prohibited. In addition to penalties, they can cause serious environmental damage by releasing polluting substances.
Can I disassemble an old solar panel myself?
No. The panels contain materials that must be handled safely. Disassembly and recycling must be done by a specialized company or by the installer replacing the panels.
Recycling is part of the solar revolution
Managing the end-of-life of a solar panel is a crucial step on the road to sustainability. By recycling, you not only comply with regulations, but also demonstrate that renewable energy is a responsible end-to-end solution.
If your installation in Girona has already completed its cycle, maybe it is time to renew it. A new system will not only bring you more efficiency and savings, but will also allow you to recycle the old panels without complications.
Do you want to renew your solar panels in Girona and make sure they are recycled correctly? Request your quote now and manage the change with maximum peace of mind.