New laser technology for efficient solar panel recycling developed in Netherlands

Research institute TNO has created a laser-based method for recycling solar panels. The technique is said to enable efficient, low-energy dismantling of panels while recovering over 99 percent of both the silver content and high-grade silicon.

Solar panels typically have a lifespan of at least 25 years, but they are hard to break down once they reach the end of their use. Their glass, solar cells and other materials are strongly glued together, which makes conventional recycling methods inefficient and often too rough.

TNO’s approach uses laser technology to weaken the adhesive bond between layers. This allows the panel to be taken apart in a controlled way, making it easier to separate and recover the individual materials.

Mirjam Theelen, a research lead at TNO, said the technology addresses both recycling needs and increasing pressure on raw material supplies, describing it as a potential “goldmine of resources.” She added that by 2030, Europe is expected to face a substantial wave of discarded solar panels.

At present, roughly a quarter of all silver extracted worldwide is used in solar panels, while demand for the metal continues to increase. Solar panels also contain silicon, which can be reused in batteries or in new solar cells. According to Theelen, the high quality and value of these recovered materials could turn recycling from a cost-heavy process into a potentially profitable one.

Following three years of research, TNO reports that the technology has passed the experimental stage, with almost all types of solar panels successfully dismantled in lab settings. The focus has now shifted to scaling up for industrial applications, while TNO and its partners are also exploring how the method can be integrated into current and future recycling systems.