Solar Panel Recycling Market Outlook:
Solar Panel Recycling Market size was valued at USD 348.9 million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 691.6 million by the end of 2035, rising at a CAGR of 7.9% during the forecast period, i.e., 2026-2035. In 2026, the industry size of solar panel recycling is evaluated at USD 376.4 million.
The solar panel recycling market is set to witness tremendous progress over the upcoming years, owing to the growing emphasis on sustainable energy and intensifying circular economy practices. Similarly, the ever-increasing adoption of solar energy, coupled with the approaching end-of-life phase of early-installed panels, is also driving demand for these recycling solutions. In this context, Texas Solar Society in October 2025 reported that Solar panel recycling is rapidly growing as an essential part of sustainable solar energy, efficiently preventing landfill waste and conserving critical minerals such as silver and copper. Companies across the globe are proactively developing end-to-end recycling solutions, repurposing materials, and creating collection networks, whereas dedicated recyclers, such as SolarCycle, recover high-value components. It also notes that with increasing capacity and financial incentives, the solar recycling sector is growing, ensuring both environmental and economic benefits for the industry.
Solar Panel Recycling in the U.S.: Market Growth and Impact at a Glance
|
Metric |
Value |
|
Projected solar panel waste by 2050 |
80 million tons |
|
Global solar recycling market value (2024) |
USD 333.5 million |
|
Projected global market value by 2034 |
USD 2.4 billion |
|
North America market share (2024) |
46.3% (USD 150 million) |
|
Projected CAGR |
22.3% |
|
Material recovery efficiency (SolarCycle) |
>95% |
|
Panel lifespan extension (SolarCycle) |
5 to 10 years |
Source: Texas Solar Society
Furthermore, the consistent efforts from both public and private entities to increase adoption are stimulating growth in the market. In this context, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) in October 2025 announced that it has launched SolarRecycle.org, which is a new online platform especially designed to advance the long-term sustainability of solar and storage by connecting industry leaders with recycling partners. SolarRecycle.org offers an interactive map of collection sites, guidance on recycling best practices, summaries of state and local legislation, and reports on environmental and safety standards for solar equipment. Originally, it was created by a coalition of clean energy experts, and the platform was acquired and updated by SEIA in 2025 to provide a proper resource for companies, policymakers, and the public. The initiative underscores the industry’s commitment to responsible end-of-life management and strengthening energy security by also supporting sustainable growth.
