14th Magazine Canal Solar

Report published in the Magazine Canal Solar – Vol. 6, No. 6, October/2025 With collaboration from Antonio Carlos Sil In Brazil, solar energy is frequently celebrated as a symbol of the energy transition and a sustainable future. However, a topic that is still little discussed is gaining increasing relevance as the sector matures. What happens to solar panels when they stop working? The answer lies in recycling, or rather, in the lack of a structured chain for it. In an interview with Canal Solar, Everton Gois, electrical engineer and founding partner of Solar 55, one of the first Brazilian companies specializing in the recycling of photovoltaic modules, commented on the challenges and opportunities of a market that is still in its infancy in terms of solutions, but which is about to face a significant increase in the volume of waste. An environmental time bomb According to Gois, the recycling of solar panels is still in an "embryonic" stage worldwide, and Brazil is no exception. "Today it is estimated that only about 10% of panels are actually being recycled and diverted from landfills. We estimate that the recycling percentage follows the national average for solid waste, around 4%," he explained. While countries like the United States and, especially, the European Union already implement specific policies and ambitious reuse targets, such as the European directive that foresees up to 80% recycling of discarded panels, in Brazil, disposal still happens in a misaligned way. Data from IRENA (International Renewable Energy Agency) reveals that by 2030, Brazil is expected to accumulate between 3 and 8 tons of solar waste. Globally, the number could reach 80 million tons by 2050. Gois warns, “It is important to emphasize that this is still the first wave of disposal. The great tsunami of waste will occur between 2045 and 2055, when most of the modules currently in operation reach the end of their useful life of 25 to 30 years.” When asked if a structured recycling chain already exists in Brazil, Gois was direct. “We cannot yet speak of a structured chain. We are only in the first steps and the challenges are great, especially in logistics and in raising awareness among companies about the importance of environmentally sound disposal.” He refers to the absence of specific regulations for the sector, although he highlights that photovoltaic modules can be classified as electronic waste within the National Solid Waste Policy, which follows an environmental priority order of repair, preventive maintenance and, when necessary, evaluation for reuse before recycling. Click here to download the magazine and read the full article.

14th Magazine Canal Solar

The energy transition demands a new perspective on the end-of-life of solar modules.

SPIC Brasil criticizes transmission bottlenecks and confirms interest in battery auctions

Measurement of the bifaciality of photovoltaic modules

Can end consumers be held responsible for accidents during PV installation works?

Is DPS mandatory in the entry standard with photovoltaic system?