Illinois, like dozens of other states nationwide requires most utilities to obtain at least 25% of the power they sell to come from renewable sources by 2025. Solar PV has grown rapidly in Illinois over the past few years, and the state is projected to install at least 7,688 MW of solar by 2028.
With residential, commercial, and utility-scale solar growing rapidly, the state needs a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution to recycle PV modules when they reach end-of-life (EOL) status. SOLARCYCLE is a leading, premium provider of solar recycling services in Illinois.
With around 3,500 megawatts of installed solar capacity, Illinois has emerged as a Midwest leader in clean energy. The growth in photovoltaic (PV) solar in Illinois has been buoyed by robust Renewable Portfolio Standards and community solar programs. Although Illinois does not currently enforce specific solar panel decommissioning or recycling laws, system owners must comply with general environmental regulations. Panels deemed hazardous must be disposed of under federal and state guidelines, ensuring proper handling to prevent environmental harm.
As the solar sector grows, conversations continue about formalizing end-of-life policies. Some policymakers and industry stakeholders are exploring frameworks that could introduce decommissioning bonds or dedicated recycling paths. Until then, owners and installers can stay ahead by identifying certified recyclers, maintaining documentation of disposal plans, and monitoring policy developments.
By planning proactively, Illinois’ solar community can help sustain the state’s clean energy momentum. If you need help with solar panel recycling in Illinois, contact SOLARCYCLE today.
Tailored Recycling Solutions: We recognize that every customer has different needs, systems, financing, and geographic considerations. Our trained professionals begin with a consultation to identify your specific needs and craft a plan to optimize your portfolio. We provide a range of PV and solar panel recycling services including:
Reverse Logistics
Panels are bulky and can be expensive to ship long distances. We mobilize quickly and get your panels off-site within days if needed. Our team of reverse logistics professionals will determine the most efficient route from your facility to our advanced recycling lines in Texas, Arizona and soon the Southeast. We also provide full decommissioning services.
Rapid Testing
We offer on-site as well as off-site testing using our PV Evolutions Lab-approved process to identify microcracks, hot spots, water ingress and more. When requested by our customers, we can find ways to extend the use of panels for another 5-10 years before they are recycled.
Low-Cost, Eco-Friendly Recycling
Our advanced, high-recovery recycling process extracts more than 95% of the value in a panel — returning key materials like aluminum, silver, silicon, and glass to the domestic supply chains. And our ISO-certified facilities are designed to protect workers and the environment, and reduce environmental impacts over time.
Advanced Environmental Reporting
Our customers care about protecting the environment and have stakeholders who want to see the metrics and the impact. Our Chief Technology Officer, Dr. Pablo Dias, leads the development of our recycling process, and oversees our use of Life Cycle Analysis to produce science-based environmental reporting for your team.
