Solar Panel Recycling in Minneapolis
Solar Panel Recycling in Minneapolis
Solar panels and their batteries empower various industries all over America. Currently, solar power is the world’s best renewable source of energy. Additionally, it augments domestic markets, cuts carbon emissions, and does not require much maintenance.
The solar business is always evolving. Thus, solar products are becoming ever more indispensable. Leading to the demand for solar panel recycling in Minneapolis.
Silicon solar products mostly have glass, plastic, and aluminum. Retrieving these three parts is ordinary. Thus, there is a growing demand of solar panel recycling in Minneapolis.
Industry experts refer to solar panels as photovoltaic or PV cells. Solar panels can operate for nearly 30 years. After which, their productivity dwindles.
The Recycling Process
Recycling solar products requires advanced equipment. Therefore, it should be performed precisely to be profitable.
The practice of solar panel recycling includes:
- Removing the frame
- Separation of the glass along a conveyor belt
- Thermal processing to evaporate the plastic
- Etching silicon wafers
This procedure recovers valuable elements, such as aluminum and glass. Additionally, this practice 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 undesirable bits left behind.
Solar Panel Life Cycle
The technical improvement of solar panels seem to be parallel with the growth of the industry. Furthermore, solar products have many ways to evaluate effectiveness and output.
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 nearly 40 years.
Yet, as they age, their performance starts to deteriorate.
Recycling Solar Panel Batteries
Not all solar panels need batteries to operate. However, many panels have them as a backup measure. Likewise, recycling batteries proves to be imperative. On the other hand, solar panel batteries defile our soil if inappropriately discarded.
At the core of all solar batteries is lithium. It is a comparatively rare reserve that afflicts the environment.
If solar panel batteries are recklessly abandoned, toxic waste will develop. Which can do huge damage to the environment.
Not only that, but also recyclable parts are lost. That alone should encourage businesses to recycle solar panels and the pieces that empower them.
Recycle Solar Panels and Batteries in Minneapolis
In summary, solar panel recycling is needed for longevity. The use of solar panels provides the planet with the natural power it needs to sustain life. Especially considering that solar panels replace the infamous fossil fuels. Innovative organizations must find the best center for solar panel recycling in Minneapolis. For more information, click here to contact Interco.