Recycling of solar panels

We recycle solar panel waste in a safe and ecological manner at our recycling line in Kralupy nad Vltavou (Czech Republic).

Our solar panels waste recycling line was developed, designed and installed by our R&D team. Components are locally manufactured in the Czech Republic. We sell our lines worldwide, we provide transport, installation and post-sales assistance.

Inquiry and contacts

2 000 tons: of recycled panels every year
84 %: of recycled material, which we repurpose ourselves
2 years: of development and testing prior to our operation launch in 2024

Watch our recycling solar panel waste line in action!

We belong to the leaders of development and research

Modern technology

Our R&D team designed the recycling line in order to minimize unecessary waste and regain the highest percentage of valuable materials for further use.

Material sustainability

We deliver glass, aluminium, silver, silicon and other materials to our partners who use them to make glass containers, aluminium components or electrical appliances.

Zero emission operation

Each and every step of the recycling process - from sorting, disassembling all the way to material pulverization - are performed mechanically, without producing any emissions and being mindful of the environment.

With our recycling process, we reuse up to 84% of the involved materials, saving mineral resources. This is circular economy.

Thanks to recycling we gain valuable materials. The most valued one is black mass, which contains a high concentration of metals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel or manganese and which can be reused in batteries. Other materials include glass, iron, copper or aluminium. Plastic can be used as alternative fuel for power production.

Adam Titěra

Project Manager

We acquired the WEEELABEX certificate

We follow norms and all legal requirements regarding sorting, storing, transportation, preparation for further use, treatment and elimination of electronic waste. Thanks to that, our recycling line meets all the demanding criteria of the international organization WEELABEX, which listed us among their processors.

We recycle more than the law requires

According to the EU directive no. 2012/19/EU it is obligatory to recycle 80% of the solar panel's mass. Only 20% of the total weight may be treated as waste. We are able to recycle 84% and we are even planning on increasing the number in the future.

We sell solar panels waste recycling lines and install it at your site

Our lines have a capacity of 2,5 t/shift. The process is based on a mechanical separation method.

Lines can be operated on a campaign or regular basis, single or multi-shift operation. We sell our lines worldwide, we provide transport, installation and post-sales assistance.

References

Recycling of photovoltaic panels for ČEZ, a.s.

February 3rd 2025

Read reference

Would you like more information?

Are you interested in solar panel recycling or do you have a question? Fill out a simple form and we will get back to you within 24 hours.

You can also reach us on the phone: +420 235 522 252
or via e-mail at info@dekonta.cz

FAQs

Solar panel lifetime

The average photovotaic panel can effectively generate electrical energy for 20 to 30 years. Most manufactures offer a 20 to 25 year warranty. Even after the warranty expires, solar panels can still generate energy, only their efficacy may progressively decrease.

Lifespan can be affected by multiple different factors

Quality of the materials – higher quality of the used materials can significantly prolong the lifespan of a solar panel.
Protection from weather conditions – solar panels are typically resistant to weather conditions. However, extreme weather such as strong wind, snow or hail may shorten their lifespan.
Correct installation – professional installation of solar panels can increase their lifespan and facilitate optimal performance.
Maintenance – regular maintenance and cleaning can help maintain high efficacy. It is especially important for vertically installed panels.

Composition of solar panels

Solar panels are composed of photovoltaic cells - interconnected semiconductor diodes. The front of the panel is encased in durable aluminium case and covered in glass. On the back side you can find foil and a connector, which connects the panel to other parts of the photovoltaic power plant.

Where can I dispose of a solar panel?

Discarded solar panels can be handed over to an electronic waste recycling plant or to a waste collection point in your area. Some manufacturers offer to take back old photovoltaic panels.

Why is recycling important?

Environmental protection – uncontrolled disposal of solar panels can cause leaks of toxic substances. Correct elimination minimizes the negative impact on the environment.
Gaining valuable resources – Elimination according to the latest ecological and technological standards allows us to gain valuable materials such as metals or glass, which can be reused.
Social accountability – responsible disposal is a pledge to society and ethical standards.