Excursion: Solar Materials

For truly sustainable solar energy, it is not enough to generate electricity cleanly — the end-of-life stage of solar modules must also be taken into account. The company SOLAR MATERIALS makes a significant contribution to the circular economy.
SOLAR MATERIALS uses a patented process that achieves an exceptionally high recovery rate of 98% of the total module weight. This enables the company to offer the lowest recycling fee currently available on the market. The modules recycled are crystalline silicon solar panels, which are delivered stacked on pallets.
A large portion of a solar module consists of glass (≈70%) and aluminium (≈15%). SOLAR MATERIALS recovers both materials at high purity. The glass can be used to produce container glass, and the aluminium can be remelted with up to 95% energy savings compared to primary aluminium.
In addition, valuable materials such as silicon, silver, and copper are separated. Silver is particularly noteworthy: although it makes up only around 0.1% of the module’s mass, it accounts for almost 50% of its material value. After purification, the silver is reused in technical applications. The recovered silicon is further processed into high-purity material by a partner company.
SOLAR MATERIALS’ first industrial recycling line is located in Magdeburg and processes up to 3,000 tonnes per year. A second, significantly larger facility is currently under development and is expected to meet the increasing demand for professional module recycling from 2024 onward.
The recycled secondary raw materials have a carbon footprint reduced by up to 80% and save substantial amounts of energy. In this way, SOLAR MATERIALS plays a vital role in closing sustainable resource loops and keeping solar energy affordable in the long term.