IEA PVPS - Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme 58d ago

What happens to solar panels at the end of their life—and how can we recover valuable materials more effectively? In this interview, Cara Libby, lead author of the latest IEA PVPS Task 12 report on PV module recycling (3rd edition, 2026), shares key insights from the newest research on recycling technologies and industry developments. 👉 She answers: * How this new report builds on earlier Task 12 studies—and what’s new in this edition * What we’ve learned about the wide range of recycling technologies (mechanical, chemical, thermo-mechanical, ultrasound, and more) and their respective strengths and limitations As PV deployment continues to grow globally, effective end-of-life management is becoming increasingly critical. New recycling approaches aim not only to recover bulk materials like glass and aluminium, but also to improve recovery of high-value and critical materials—while addressing economic and technological challenges. 🔗 Read the full report: https://iea-pvps.org/key-topics/t12-advances-module-recycling-3rd-edition-2026/