The new recycling division of Qcells, EcoRecycle from Qcellsworks with distributor Greentech renewable energy sources to establish solar panel collection centers at Greentech’s locations in Tampa and Palmetto, Florida.
These locations will serve as the first of many public locations designed to accept decommissioned or damaged solar panels from both industry professionals and private owners, Qcells says. The hubs will serve as a prototype for similar collection sites in Florida, the broader Southeast and ultimately the entire country as EcoRecycle continues to expand its recycling facilities and build its partner network. With an estimated 500,000 panels recycled annually at its flagship facility in White, Georgia, Qcells positions EcoRecycle as the logistics and operational backbone of a national circular platform for the solar industry.
“With solar distribution centers strategically located throughout Florida, Greentech Renewables is making it easier for customers of all sizes to participate in this recycling initiative and advance the circular solar economy,” said Hunter David of Greentech Renewables. “We are proud to support solar panel recycling and reuse valuable components to power the next generation of solar energy innovation.”
This collaboration lays the foundation for a fully circular economy model in the US to ensure that critical solar panel components can be reused to build the next generation of solar technology. Using its patented, high-purity separation technology, EcoRecycle will recover valuable materials such as glass, aluminum, copper and silver, which will then be reintegrated into Qcells’ U.S. solar manufacturing operations. This closed process significantly reduces CO2 emissions, strengthens domestic supply chains and helps reduce dependence on imported materials.
“Effectively managing solar panel waste is essential to the health of the clean energy transition. Through this partnership, we are offering customers and communities a truly circular, landfill-free solution that supports their sustainability goals while driving progress for the entire industry,” said Kelly Weger, Senior Director of Sustainability at Qcells.
News item from EcoRecycle
