Solar Panel Recycling in Nashville

Solar panels and their batteries empower multiple industries all over America. Currently, solar power is the world’s finest renewable source of energy. Additionally, it strengthens domestic markets, cuts carbon emissions, and does not require much physical maintenance.

The solar business is constantly expanding with companies and consumers in search of clean energy. Thus, solar products are becoming ever more indispensable as time goes on. This leads to the demand for solar panel recycling in Nashville.

Why Recycle Solar Panels

Silicon solar products contain mostly glass, plastic, and aluminum. Retrieving these three parts is commonplace. Thus, there is a rising demand of solar panel recycling in Nashville. Also, solar panels can function for nearly 30 years. After which, their productivity declines. Furthermore, recycling solar products requires advanced machinery. Therefore, it should be performed correctly to be cost-effective.

The Recycling Process

Solar panels last long with shelf lives of 30 years or more, but become inefficient and worn out after such periods. This is why recycling solar panels is so important in Nashville. These materials are considered eScrap and can easily be reused if recycled properly.

The procedure of solar panel recycling includes:

1. Removing the frame
2. Separation of the glass along a conveyor belt
3. Thermal processing to evaporate the plastic
4. Etching silicon wafers

This process recovers valuable elements, such as aluminum and glass. Additionally, this procedure recovers 95% of the glass from the solar panels. Secondly, thermal processing divides the unimportant plastic from the important items. Lastly, etching the silicon wafer eliminates any unwelcome scraps left behind.

Solar Panel Life Cycle

The mechanical improvement of solar panels seem to be parallel with the growth of the industry. Furthermore, solar products have many ways to evaluate effectiveness and productivity. Their lifespan can range from:

• 10 – 12 years: efficiency declines by upwards of 10 percent
• 15 – 20 years: efficiency declines by 20 percent
• 25 – 30 years: efficiency declines significantly

Just like a car, the lifespan of solar panels is dynamic, not static. For instance, advanced solar panels can generate power for approximately 40 years. Yet, as they age, their performance starts to deteriorate.

Recycling Solar Panel Batteries

Not all solar panels need batteries to function. However, many panels have them as a backup measure. Likewise, recycling batteries proves to be indispensable. On the other hand, solar panel batteries defile nature if incorrectly discarded. At the core of all solar batteries is lithium. It is a relatively rare reserve that afflicts the environment.

If solar panel batteries are recklessly dumped, toxic waste will develop. Which can destroy the environment. Not only that, but also recyclable pieces are lost. That alone should encourage businesses to recycle solar panels and the parts that empower them.

Recycle Solar Panels and Batteries in Nashville

In summary, solar panel recycling is required for longevity. The use of solar panels provides the planet with the natural power it needs to sustain life. Especially seeing that solar panels replace the infamous fossil fuels. Innovative companies must find the best center for solar panel recycling in Nashville. For more information, click here to contact Interco.