Qcells, the Korean solar manufacturing giant with production facilities in the U.S. and Malaysia, has officially entered the solar panel recycling industry with the launch of EcoRecycle by Qcells. The initiative, which will begin operations in Cartersville, Georgia, marks a significant milestone as the company positions itself as the first crystalline silicon (C-Si) solar module manufacturer in the U.S. to offer both domestic manufacturing and in-house recycling capabilities.
At full capacity, the new EcoRecycle facility is expected to recycle up to 250 megawatts of solar modules annually—equivalent to approximately 500,000 panels per year. This move aligns strategically with Qcells’ plan to manufacture 3.3 gigawatts of solar modules in Cartersville, reinforcing the company’s commitment to a truly circular solar economy.
“With EcoRecycle, Qcells is pioneering a sustainable blueprint for solar energy in America,” said Kelly Weger, Senior Director of Sustainability at Qcells. “Managing solar waste effectively is vital to ensuring the long-term resilience and sustainability of the clean energy sector.”
A Triple-Pronged Approach to Circularity
EcoRecycle is built upon three core pillars:
- Cost-Efficient Recycling Services
By offering competitively priced recycling solutions, EcoRecycle aims to simplify the end-of-life management of solar panels, making responsible disposal accessible and affordable for customers across the U.S. - Advanced Material Separation Technology
The facility will deploy proprietary high-purity separation methods to recover valuable materials—including aluminum, glass, silver, and copper—with maximum efficiency and minimal environmental impact. - Carbon Reduction through Closed-Loop Manufacturing
By reintegrating recovered materials into the production process, EcoRecycle will help reduce the carbon footprint of solar panel manufacturing while strengthening domestic supply chains and advancing the circular economy.
Addressing America’s Solar Waste Challenge
The solar industry’s rapid growth is now paired with a looming waste management challenge. As early photovoltaic (PV) systems approach the end of their lifespan, the U.S. is expected to become the world’s second-largest generator of retired solar panels. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the cumulative waste could reach 10 million metric tons.
In response, states are beginning to legislate mandatory solar recycling requirements. For example, Texas, one of the fastest-growing solar markets in the country with a projected 41 GW of new capacity in the next five years, recently enacted legislation mandating the recycling of retired solar and wind infrastructure.
“As the U.S. transitions toward a more sustainable and self-sufficient solar industry, EcoRecycle is committed to pioneering innovation in solar recycling,” said Jung-Kwon Hong, Head of Qcells Manufacturing. “Through bold investment and cutting-edge solutions, Qcells is not only reducing environmental impact but also creating new economic opportunities. We aim to be at the forefront of the circular economy, ensuring that solar remains a truly renewable and responsible energy source.”
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