Solar panel waste could reach 402 million tonnes by 2060, recycling may unlock $1 trillion

A new study in Nature projects that global solar panel waste could total between 297 and 402 million tonnes by 2060. After 2040, middle-income countries like China are expected to become the main source of retired panels as early installations reach the end of their life. The research team from China, Australia, and Sweden highlights the economic opportunity in recovering valuable materials from these panels, potentially generating almost $1 trillion in value. Recycling solar panels is not just about avoiding landfill. It is about recovering silicon, silver, copper, and glass that can be reused in new panels or other industries. However, the logistics of collection, sorting, and processing remain a barrier. Without clear policy support, such as extended producer responsibility, much of this value may stay unrealized. The study provides a baseline for planning future recycling infrastructure and for designing panels that are easier to dismantle and reuse.