Disposing of solar panels and recycling photovoltaic materials sustainably
"New approaches are required to recover rare and valuable raw materials from discarded photovoltaic modules. We are rising to this challenge."
Lina Esselbrügge
Customer service photovoltaic
Comprehensive end-of-life concepts for PV modules
Since the turn of the millennium, the photovoltaic sector has seen significant growth across Europe. For around two decades, these systems have made an important contribution to climate protection through the generation of clean energy production. However, even at the end of their useful life, photovoltaic modules must be disposed of and recycled in a sustainable and responsible manner.
We see it as our duty to ensure the sustainability of silicon-based photovoltaic modules even beyond their useful life. As a responsible recycling company, we guarantee the legally compliant disposal of PV modules. Before we dispose of PV modules, we carry out a thorough testing to determine whether they can be reused. If this is not the case, the solar modules are properly recycled, and the relevant recycling certificates are provided.
Whether individual modules or entire solar parks: if you need to dispose of and recycle solar modules sustainably, we offer module manufacturers, EPCs, solar park operators, installers, commercial enterprises, dealers and collection schemes comprehensive and cost-effective end-of-life solutions from a single source. Where required, we support you with decommissioning, collection and logistics, as well as PV recycling – tailored entirely to your individual requirements. In this way, we provide a reliable solution for the disposal of solar modules and return valuable materials to the materials cycle.
Would you like to dispose of photovoltaic modules? Contact us quickly and easily using our inquiry form and receive a non-binding offer.
4000000
recycled pv modules
15
years of experience
4
ElektroG-certified locations (WEEE)
Environmentally sound collection and disposal of PV modules
Once photovoltaic modules have reached the end of their service life, two key challenges arise at the end of their product life cycle: ensuring they are recorded in accordance with the law and ensuring the valuable components of the modules are recycled separately by type. Anyone wishing to dispose of PV modules therefore needs a reliable, legally compliant and professional solution for dismantling, collection (logistics), testing and recycling.
With more than fifteen years’ experience in photovoltaic recycling, we possess comprehensive technical expertise in the sustainable and legally compliant disposal of PV modules. Anyone wishing to dispose of end-of-life PV modules benefits from our holistic approach: at our facility in Münster – Germany’s first site dedicated exclusively to PV recycling – we first assess the PV modules for potential reuse. If this is not possible, we send the solar modules for professional recycling. We also offer our customers bespoke solutions for decommissioning and logistics – right through to managing entire repowering projects in collaboration with reliable partners.
Anyone wishing to dispose of solar panels can hand them in not only in Münster but also at three other ElektroG-certified locations. Following consultation, we accept all types of silicon-based photovoltaic modules at these sites: Torgau, Osterweddingen and Marienfeld.
Testing for the reuse of solar panels
The majority of installed PV modules are still intact after more than 10 years of use, albeit with significantly reduced performance. TIf you intend to dispose of end-of-life PV modules, you should therefore first have them assessed to see whether they can be reused. Reuse is preferable to direct photovoltaic recycling, particularly in the context of cost-effective repowering of solar parks, as this helps to conserve resources.
As the first part of our individually tailored EOL concepts, we guarantee our customers a comprehensive and reliable testing for reuse of their optically undamaged PV modules. This makes it possible to check, before disposing of PV modules, whether they can be reused or whether they need to be sent for recycling.
In addition to legal compliance, the economic incentive and the provision of a test report for each module tested are key benefits. In addition, depending on the recycling route, corresponding recycling certificates are issued, which certify our customers a professional recycling and release them from any legal obligations.
Our testing process for PV modules
After visual inspection of each individual module, undamaged modules are subjected to comprehensive technical testing using various test methods. The test includes a power measurement with TÜV-certified flasher (determination of residual module power), an electroluminescence test to detect and evaluate microcracks in the solar cells and further tests to ensure electrical safety (diode test, HiPot test, grounding test). Depending on the test results, the modules are then either reused as second-life modules or sent for professional photovoltaic recycling. In this way, we offer commercial customers in particular, such as module manufacturers and solar park operators of all sizes, a convenient, economical and legally compliant disposal of PV modules.
Highest standards in PV recycling
Highly specialised solutions are required to ensure that all components of a photovoltaic module are separated by type. We rise to the challenge of efficiently separating the materials that are firmly bonded together in the module. As a certified primary treatment facility, we ensure best results in recycling of photovoltaic modules. PV recycling takes place in several process steps to ensure compliance with the highest quality standards. Following initial treatment, the materials are shredded; in the main stage of the process, the materials from the PV modules are processed and separated so that they can be returned to the recycling cycle.
Highest quality recyclates from the recycling of solar panels
The main component of PV modules is glass. It is the main secondary raw material recovered. However, other materials, such as aluminium, are also optimally recycled in the photovoltaic recycling process and returned to high-quality applications. Thanks to the continuous development of recycling processes and the use of state-of-the-art sorting techniques, we are able to meet the high standards required of the recovered secondary raw materials. Our end products are glass, silicon, busbars (tinned copper) and aluminium, as well as cables. By recycling PV modules, the valuable components are recovered and reused in industry. With us you close the loop!
Efficient. Resource-saving. Environmentally friendly.
As an experienced recycling company, we meet the challenge of an environmentally friendly collection and disposal of end-of-life PV modules and their recycling. In doing so, we attach great importance to the best possible compliance with the waste hierarchy - first reuse, then photovoltaics recycling. Only when reuse is not possible do we pursue the recycling of the valuable components contained in the PV modules. Expertise and years of experience as well as cutting-edge processing facilities and cooperation with reliable partners ensure best results. If required, we can provide a full service covering the decommissioning, logistics (collection) and recycling of solar panels!
We are certified to ElektroG in three locations in Germany: Münster, Torgau and Osterweddingen and accept all types of silicon-based PV modules. We also take care of the quantity reports for you, and you will receive the corresponding recycling certificates.
Click here for our PV recycling brochure.
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FAQ photovoltaic recycling
True to the motto: Your questions – our answers! We answer frequently asked questions about the disposal of photovoltaic modules at our PV recycling site in Münster.
You can dispose of silicon-based PV modules and solar collectors (solar thermal energy) at Reiling. These are professionally recycled (in accordance with the ElektroG) at our recycling site in Münster.
Please contact your recycling partner Reiling PV-Recycling! We will be happy to advise you personally.
To provide you with a quote, we require the following information: type of PV modules (data sheet), approximate quantity and whether you would like us to arrange transport to Münster.
You can quickly and easily request a non-binding quote using our contact form.
We offer you individual and needs-based transport solutions for your used solar modules. As standard, the PV modules are stacked on pallets and collected by a freight forwarder. However, transport via roll-off containers, loose via tipper trailers or via tipper trailers with grab arms is also possible. Depending on the distance, local conditions and effort involved, we will find the most cost-effective solution.
We are happy to collect your used PV modules on request. We have an extensive transport network throughout Germany and will find a reliable solution.
Yes, there are costs associated with recycling solar modules. In the commercial sector, these costs are paid by the last owner.
The cost of disposal and recycling ranges from 1 to 2 euros per module. As usual, billing is based on weight. For larger quantities, Reiling also offers free disposal and recycling.
Yes! You will receive a legally compliant disposal certificate from us. Thanks to our certification as an initial treatment facility in accordance with the ElektroG (WEEE Directive), we are authorised to issue disposal certificates.
No! This is because the removal of aluminium frames and cables is already considered initial treatment (EBA certificate required).
Yes, in principle, you can dispose of associated inverters, cabling and substructures in addition to solar modules. We are currently unable to accept battery storage systems (other permits required).
The dismantling of PV modules is not directly part of our range of services, but we can arrange this through subcontractors if required.
Yes, we also accept PV modules from abroad.
Yes! The recycling of photovoltaic modules is regulated by the European WEEE Directive (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment). According to this directive, used PV modules must be tested and reused or recycled.
As a business owner, you are responsible for finding a recycling partner.
Feel free to contact us!
Definitely yes! Silicon-based solar modules can be professionally recycled at Reiling PV-Recycling in Münster. The recyclable materials from old PV modules are recovered using a specially developed and specialised recycling plant. For example, we return glass, silicon, aluminium, conductors (tinned copper) and cables to the respective industries.
Solar modules can be recycled. The company Reiling PV-Recycling has developed a purely mechanical recycling process. After the PV modules have been shredded, the individual materials are separated from each other and discharged using their physical properties. The individual secondary raw materials are of high quality and are then returned to the processing industries.
For commercial quantities of used solar modules, please contact our subsidiary Reiling PV-Recycling, which has a photovoltaic recycling site in Münster. Here, we recycle silicon-based PV modules professionally and on an industrial scale using innovative recycling processes.
We are also happy to coordinate transport to Münster for you if you do not wish to deliver the modules yourself.
As a private individual, you can take your old PV modules to the recycling centre free of charge in normal household quantities.
As a business, you are responsible as the last owner for disposing of them at a recycling facility. At Reiling PV-Recycling in Münster, you can conveniently obtain a comprehensive solution: from transport to efficient recycling with a disposal certificate.
Your disposal solution – Reiling
A competent and cooperative partnership is very important to us. Therefore, our employees will also be available to you on site with their expertise as contacts across the field of professional disposal and documentation. We keep on developing our high standards to meet future requirements. We are also actively involved in various research projects and cooperate with partners to keep improving our reprocessing methods. This way, we will be able to stay your strong and reliable partner in photovoltaics recycling in future as well!