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.