As solar energy continues to power a cleaner future, one question is rapidly rising to the surface—what happens to solar panels at the end of their life? With the UK and many other countries accelerating their transition to renewable energy, the number of installed solar panels has surged in recent years. However, as early-generation panels begin to reach the end of their 25–30-year lifespan, a new sustainability challenge is emerging: solar panel recycling.

What is Market-Wide Half-Hourly Settlement?

MHHS is designed to improve the accuracy and efficiency of energy settlements by reflecting real-time consumption and generation patterns. Currently, many energy customers—especially those with older non-half-hourly meters—are settled based on estimated profiles. The shift to MHHS enables a more precise approach, supporting a more dynamic energy market.

Why Solar Panel Recycling Matters

Solar panels are made up of valuable materials such as glass, aluminium, copper, and silicon. But they also contain trace amounts of toxic substances like lead and cadmium, which can pose environmental risks if not disposed of properly. Simply sending them to landfill is not a sustainable option—and in many cases, it’s not even legally permitted.

Without an effective recycling infrastructure, we risk undermining the very environmental benefits that solar technology was designed to deliver.

The Growing Volume of Solar Waste

According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), global solar panel waste could reach up to 78 million tonnes by 2050. That’s a staggering figure—especially considering the UK’s commitment to net zero.

In the short term, this growing waste stream presents a logistical and environmental challenge. In the long term, it’s an opportunity. A well-established solar panel recycling system could recover up to 95% of materials, feeding them back into the production of new panels and supporting a circular economy in the renewable energy sector.

Current Recycling Practices

At present, the UK’s solar panel recycling capabilities are still developing. Most panels are collected under the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) regulations and processed by specialist recycling partners.

The typical process involves:

• Removing frames and junction boxes
• Separating glass and silicon wafers
• Recovering metals like aluminium and copper
• Processing hazardous components safely

However, these methods can be labour-intensive, and the costs can outweigh the value of recovered materials—making investment in more efficient recycling technology essential.

What Needs to Happen Next

To meet this challenge head-on, several key actions are needed:

Supportive Legislation – Clearer policies and incentives for recycling solar panels can help create a stable market for recovered materials.l.

Improved Infrastructure – Investment in dedicated solar panel recycling facilities will be crucial to increase capacity and reduce costs.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) – As part of evolving waste regulations, manufacturers may be required to take more responsibility for the full lifecycle of their products.

Increased Awareness – Businesses and homeowners need better access to information on how to responsibly dispose of solar panels.

How Flame Energy Can Help

At Flame Energy, we’re committed to supporting businesses at every stage of their sustainability journey—including when it’s time to retire or replace solar panels. We offer:

As the solar sector matures, so too must our approach to waste. Solar panel recycling isn’t just a technical necessity—it’s the next frontier in renewable responsibility.

Looking to recycle or upgrade your solar panels? Get in touch with Flame Energy today to find a sustainable solution.