The Recycling Process

Solar panels and their batteries empower multiple industries across America. Currently, solar power is the world’s greatest renewable resource as a clean source of energy. Additionally, it helps domestic markets, lowers greenhouse gases, and does not require a lot of maintenance.

The solar business is persistently developing. Thus, solar products are becoming more and more indispensable as they loose their usefulness. This leads to the demand for solar panel recycling in Omaha.

Silicon solar products largely contain glass, plastic, and aluminum. Retrieving these three elements is common. Thus, there is an intensifying demand of solar panel recycling in Omaha.

Solar panels can function for roughly 30 years. After which, their efficiency declines. Furthermore, recycling solar products entails complex systems. Therefore, it should be done accurately to be beneficial.

The method of solar panel recycling in Omaha 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 practice recovers important elements, such as aluminum and glass. Additionally, this method recovers 95% of the glass from the solar panels. Secondly, thermal processing divides the unimportant plastic from the important materials. Lastly, etching the silicon wafer eliminates any unwelcome scraps left behind.

Solar Panel Life Cycle

The mechanical evolution of solar panels seem to be parallel with the growth of the industry. Furthermore, solar products have many ways to evaluate efficacy and efficiency. 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 falter.

Interco recycles solar panels and returns the newly recycled raw materials back to the industrial world. In the United States, Interco is a leader in solar panel recycling. Interco recycles more than 250,000 solar panels each year.

Recycling Solar Panel Batteries

Not all solar panels need batteries to function. However, many panels have them as a backup. Likewise, recycling batteries proves to be essential. 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 resource that afflicts the environment.

If solar panel batteries are carelessly dumped, toxic waste will grow. Which can have devastating effect for the environment. Not only that, but also recyclable components are lost. That alone should inspire companies to recycle solar panels and the parts that empower them.

Interco has a dedicated battery recycling plant with four patents pending to provide more efficient recycling solutions. The facility uses safest end-of-life treatment, following the strictest guidelines. Interco recycles all different types of batteries, and recycles over 12 million pounds of nonferrous materials every month.

Interco Provides Solar Panel Recycling in Omaha

In summary, solar panel recycling is vital for longevity. The use of solar panels provides the planet with the natural power it needs to endure. Especially considering that solar panels replace the infamous fossil fuels. Innovative enterprises must find the best facility for solar panel recycling in Omaha. For more information, click here to contact Interco.