Sunita Somvanshi
Turning old solar panels into useful glass products is now possible, thanks to a recent breakthrough in recycling technology. Maltha Glass Recycling and glass maker Saint-Gobain have successfully converted 75 tons of solar panel glass into flat glass – used in windows, doors, and building materials.
The timing is crucial. “This successful pilot demonstrates the incredible potential of solar panel recycling,” says Kevin Bell, Managing Director of Maltha Group. The need is clear: by 2030, millions of solar panels across Europe will reach the end of their working life. Without recycling, these panels would end up as waste in landfills.
These panels contain valuable materials – the glass that protects the panel, silicon that converts sunlight to electricity, and silver used in the electrical connections. Using special chemical processes, Maltha separates these materials while keeping their quality high enough for reuse.
This means the glass from an old solar panel on someone’s roof could become a new window in their neighbour’s house. It also reduces the need to mine raw materials for new glass, cutting down on the environmental impact of manufacturing.
The project is part of a larger European effort called Photorama, which brings together 13 companies and organizations. Together, they’re creating a complete system for recycling old solar panels – from collection to processing to reuse in new products.
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Saint-Gobain’s involvement proves this isn’t just an experiment—it’s a practical solution ready for real-world use. The company has successfully used recycled glass to make new flat glass products that meet its quality standards.
The impact goes beyond just handling waste. Manufacturers need less energy to make new glass products by reusing materials from old solar panels. This means lower costs and less environmental impact on glass production.
This breakthrough shows how solar power is becoming more sustainable at every stage – from generating clean electricity to recycling the equipment at the end of its life. As more solar panels are installed in homes and businesses across Europe, having a practical way to recycle them becomes increasingly important.
The success of this pilot project opens the door for widespread solar panel recycling across Europe. It demonstrates that yesterday’s solar panels can become tomorrow’s windows and building materials, creating a continuous cycle of reuse that benefits both industry and the environment.
