Qcells’s new recycling division, EcoRecycle by Qcells, is partnering with distributor Greentech Renewables to establish solar panel collection hubs at Greentech’s Tampa and Palmetto locations in Florida.
These sites will serve as the first of many public-facing locations designed to accept decommissioned or damaged solar panels from both industry professionals and residential owners, Qcells says. The hubs will serve as a prototype for similar collection sites across Florida, the broader Southeast, and eventually the country, as EcoRecycle continues to expand its recycling facilities and builds out its partner network. With an estimated 500,000 panels to be recycled annually at its flagship facility in White, Georgia, Qcells is positioning EcoRecycle as the logistical and operational backbone of a national circular platform for the solar industry.
“With solar distribution centers strategically located across 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, at Greentech Renewables. “We take pride in supporting solar panel recycling and repurposing valuable components to power the next generation of solar innovation.”
This collaboration lays the foundation for a fully circular economy model in U.S. to ensure critical solar panel components can be reused to build the next generation of solar technology. Using proprietary 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.-based solar manufacturing operations. This closed-loop process significantly reduces carbon emissions, strengthens domestic supply chains, and helps decreasing reliance on imported materials.
“Effectively managing solar panel waste is essential to the health of the clean energy transition. Through this collaboration, we are offering customers and communities a no-landfill, truly circular 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
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