SolarPanelRecycling & SEIA unveils PV recycling program in North Carolina

North Carolina-based SolarPanelRecycling.com (SPR) and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has teamed up with Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, to set up drop-off sites for residential solar panel recycling. This six-month pilot program aimed to develop a model for nationwide use. SEIA worked with SPR after many residents requested better disposal options instead of landfilling old panels. North Carolina, ranked fourth in solar capacity, served as the flagship state. The program utilized five electronic drop-off sites, including SPR’s headquarters in Salisbury, allowing free recycling without additional carbon emissions. The Compost Central Recycling Center in Charlotte was among the designated collection points. SEIA planned to analyze data on recycled panels, recovery rates, and landfill aversions to guide future expansion. Mecklenburg County officials emphasized the importance of diverting solar waste from landfills and integrating panel recycling into existing infrastructure.