21 | By 2030, the anticipated volume of waste solar modules entering the market is projected to reach 21 GW, an amount equivalent to the energy needed to power approximately 19.1 million average homes across the United States. This underscores the immense potential for recycling and resource recovery to play a crucial role in sustaining the clean energy transition while minimizing environmental impact.
45 | The cost of disposing waste solar modules varies by state, with landfill fees typically ranging from $1 to $5 per module, while recycling costs fall between $15 and $45 per module. Despite advancements in processing efficiency, increased recycling volume and improved resource recovery rates, the costs of recycling still remain higher than traditional landfill disposal. This disparity underscores the need for continued innovation and policy support to make sustainable end-of-life solutions more accessible and economically viable.
50 | As of 2023, the states with the highest cumulative solar installations include California (46GW), Texas (29GW) and Florida (14GW). Looking ahead to the period between 2025 and 2028, Texas is projected to lead new solar capacity additions with 50GW, followed by California at 24GW and Florida at 19GW. Additionally, states prone to frequent natural disasters—such as Florida, Texas, Louisiana, and Nebraska—face an elevated risk of premature module replacements due to hurricanes, hailstorms and other extreme weather events. Given these dynamics, a well-developed solar waste management strategy is essential to ensure long-term sustainability and minimize environmental impact.
10,000 | By 2028, Qcells’ advanced recycling capabilities are expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions, measured in tons of CO₂ per kilowatt peak (tCO₂e/kWp). This reduction highlights the company’s commitment to sustainability and minimizing the environmental footprint of solar energy production, while reinforcing a circular economy within the industry.
500,000 | Starting in 2025, Qcells will proudly lead the industry with an unparalleled capacity to recycle 500,000 solar panels annually—the highest among recyclers in the U.S. With cutting-edge technology and an unwavering commitment to sustainability, Qcells sets the standard as the leading solar manufacturer by market share according to Wood Mackenzie’s Power & Renewables U.S. Distributed Solar Leaderboard.
About EcoRecycle by Qcells
EcoRecycle by Qcells is a leader in solar sustainability, dedicated to recycling and repurposing valuable materials like aluminum, glass, silver (Ag) and copper (Cu). By driving a circular economy and reducing waste, EcoRecycle by Qcells is shaping a cleaner, more sustainable future for solar energy.
