PVTIME – Hanwha Q CELLS has announced the launch of EcoRecycle by Q CELLS, a new business division dedicated to solar panel recycling. The division aims to spearhead sustainable development in the American solar industry. This initiative comes at a time when the first generation of solar installations around the world are reaching the end of their life, and addresses the need to reduce the environmental impact of photovoltaic technology.
EcoRecycle will begin operating by the end of the year at a cutting-edge facility in Cartersville, Georgia. At full capacity, the site will process 250 MW of solar panels per year — equivalent to 500,000 units — enabling the efficient recovery of materials, including aluminium, glass, silver and copper, for circular reuse.
Jung-Kwon Hong, Head of Hanwha Q CELLS’ Manufacturing Group, stated that EcoRecycle seeks to leverage innovative recycling technologies to minimise environmental impact while generating economic value during the US’s push for a sustainable, self-sufficient solar sector. Through strategic investments and advanced solutions, the company aims to become a leader in the circular economy and ensure that solar energy remains a truly sustainable source of clean power. Kelly Weger, Senior Director of Sustainability, added that the venture will make Hanwha Q CELLS the first US-based manufacturer to close the ‘manufacture-recycle’ value chain for crystalline silicon (C-Si) panels. She emphasised that effective PV waste management is crucial to the long-term resilience of the clean energy sector.
The initiative will drive industry advancement through three core strategies: offering low-cost recycling services with affordable compliance models to enable seamless panel disposal; utilising patented, high-purity resource separation technologies to maximise material recovery; and establishing a low-carbon production loop by integrating recycled materials to reduce the carbon footprint of modules and strengthen local supply chains.
Although most decommissioned US solar panels currently end up in landfill due to the absence of mandatory recycling regulations, the sector is set to grow. Increasing discussions around mandatory state-level policies, combined with technological cost reductions and the growing importance of high-purity resource extraction, are accelerating the expansion of the solar recycling industry.
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