Materials Used For Solar Panels

Solar panels might look like sleek, solid slabs on the outside, but inside, they’re made up of a mix of carefully engineered materials — each playing a vital role in capturing and converting sunlight into clean energy.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what makes up a typical solar panel:

• Silicon Cells – The heart of the panel. These semiconductor layers do the actual job of converting sunlight into electricity.
• Glass – A toughened, transparent layer on the front that protects the cells while letting in sunlight.
• Aluminum Frame – Provides structure, strength, and easy mounting.
• Encapsulant – A durable, transparent layer (usually EVA plastic) that holds the silicon cells in place and shields them from moisture or vibration.
• Backsheet – A protective rear layer (often made of polymer) that guards the internal components from weather and wear.
• Junction Box & Wiring – This is where electricity flows out of the panel and into your system. It’s also where diodes help regulate electrical current.

In short, solar panels are a mix of glass, metals, polymers, and silicon — durable by design, but complex when it comes to disposal.

How Does Each Part Function?

Every piece of a solar panel has a specific job, and together, they form a finely tuned energy system:

1. Silicon Cells

These are the workhorses. When sunlight hits them, they generate direct current (DC) electricity through the photovoltaic effect. Without these, you don’t have a solar panel.

2. Glass Front

This tempered glass shields the fragile inner layers from wind, rain, hail, and debris — all while staying crystal clear to allow sunlight through.

3. Encapsulant

Imagine this as a bubble wrap for your silicon cells — transparent, adhesive, and tough. It keeps everything stable, absorbs shock, and resists UV damage.

4. Aluminum Frame

It might not sound glamorous, but the frame holds the entire panel together and makes it easy to mount on roofs, racks, or ground arrays. Plus, it’s corrosion-resistant.

5. Backsheet

This often-overlooked layer acts like the panel’s skin, protecting against moisture, UV rays, and temperature swings from below.

6. Junction Box

This is the electrical hub, containing wiring and diodes that help prevent overheating and ensure power flows efficiently into your system.

Each component matters. And when a panel reaches the end of its life, it’s these very materials that need to be handled responsibly — especially as solar energy adoption grows across the US.

How Do I Dispose Of Solar Panel Materials?

Solar panels are built to last 25+ years, but when it’s finally time to retire them, tossing them in a landfill isn’t just bad for the environment — in many states, it’s illegal. That’s where PV Solar Recycling comes in.

We specialize in collecting and responsibly recycling solar panels across the US. We safely recover valuable materials like aluminum, glass, and silicon — and properly handle any hazardous materials like lead or cadmium (found in some older models).

Many panels still work, just not at full efficiency. We evaluate and refurbish reusable panels for second-life applications — a great way to extend their usefulness and reduce waste. Whether you’re decommissioning a single system or a large commercial site, we offer flexible logistics to fit your business needs.

As the solar industry continues to grow and mature, a new question has emerged: what happens to solar panels at the end of their lifecycle? With most panels having a useful life of 20 to 30 years, we are now seeing an increase in solar panel waste. This has brought greater focus on solar panel recycling — a critical part of responsible waste management in the renewable energy sector.

Recycling solar panels involves more than simply collecting discarded equipment. The recycling process is complex and often energy intensive, as it must separate and extract valuable materials like silicon, silver, copper, and aluminum frames from each panel. 

Despite the environmental benefits, the cost of recycling solar panels can vary widely based on numerous factors, including location, transportation logistics, and the composition of the panels themselves. Facilities that specialize in solar panel recycling use techniques that maximize material recovery rates and ensure that panels do not end up in landfills. 

Universities and institutions like the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and Arizona State University are actively researching ways to make recycling more efficient and cost-effective. These efforts, paired with policies like extended producer responsibility, aim to ensure manufacturers take part in managing the environmental footprint of their products throughout their lifecycle.

A key reason for these efforts is the growing accumulation of panels that have reached or will soon reach the end of their lifespan. Panels that have been in use for 30 years are now entering the waste stream, creating a pressing need for scalable and affordable recycling methods that recover materials and reduce environmental impact.

The Cost Benefits Of Purchasing Solar Panels

While the financial and logistical challenges of recycling are important to consider, they shouldn’t deter individuals or businesses from investing in solar panels. In fact, the long-term economic and environmental benefits of solar far outweigh the initial costs — particularly when sustainability and future savings are factored in.

Solar panels contribute significantly to reducing dependence on fossil fuels, helping users transition to clean energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Over a lifespan of 20 to 30 years, they generate emissions-free electricity, helping households and businesses cut down on their energy bills while contributing to broader climate goals.

From a financial standpoint, the ability to produce your own solar power lowers monthly electricity expenses and adds resilience to rising utility costs. When paired with storage solutions, solar systems can further protect users from peak pricing and energy shortages.

Moreover, solar energy is a sustainable alternative to depleting raw materials and non-renewable fuels. The adoption of solar technology helps accelerate the global shift toward renewable energy sources, which is essential for long-term energy security.

In terms of sustainability, it’s important to highlight that most of the components in solar panels — including glass, metals, and semiconductors — can be recovered and reused. These valuable materials can then be reintroduced into the manufacturing process, minimizing the need for new resource extraction and supporting a circular economy.

As the industry evolves, it is likely that we will see advances in solar technology and increased infrastructure. Additionally, regulatory frameworks that emphasize extended producer responsibility are encouraging manufacturers to design products with end-of-life recovery in mind, ultimately reducing the environmental burden and improving recovery efficiency.

Recycling Solar Panels In The US

At PV Solar Recycling, we offer cost-effective solar panel recycling solutions for businesses in the US. Our affordable, high quality services provide collections across various states in the US, ensuring solar panel waste is transported to licensed recycling facilities. Here, solar panels, inverters and batteries can enter the recycling process and be repurposed into new products for the market.

Balcony solar panels are a growing trend in urban energy solutions, offering a practical and accessible way for apartment dwellers and small homeowners to harness the power of the sun. These compact systems are designed to be mounted on balcony railings or walls, where they can capture sunlight and convert it into usable electricity through a photovoltaic system.

A typical balcony solar system includes solar panels, an inverter, mounting equipment for the balcony railing, and optional battery storage. The solar panels capture sunlight and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity. This electricity is then routed through an inverter, which converts it into alternating current (AC) suitable for home use. The power can either be used immediately by the appliances in the household or stored in batteries for later use.

Balcony solar panels are generally plug-and-play devices, making installation relatively simple for users. In most cases, the system plugs into a standard wall outlet, feeding energy into the home’s electrical circuit and reducing the need for grid electricity. This allows users to benefit from solar energy without the need for a rooftop or extensive installation work.

Balcony Solar Panel Usage In The US

In the United States, the adoption of balcony solar panels is still emerging but steadily gaining momentum. With a growing focus on renewable energies and the increasing cost of traditional electricity sources, more individuals and businesses are looking for flexible, cost-effective solutions to reduce their electricity bills and carbon footprints.

Urban centers like New York City, San Francisco, and Chicago are leading the way in embracing compact solar technology. As more Americans move into apartments and multi-family dwellings, the demand for alternatives to rooftop solar panels is rising. Balcony solar panels offer a unique solution by making solar energy accessible to people who don’t have the option to install solar panels on a roof.

Furthermore, balcony solar systems are becoming increasingly attractive due to advancements in technology. Modern panels are more efficient, and with the integration of battery storage, users can now capture excess electricity during the day and use it in the evening when energy demand is higher.

Government incentives and rebates are also making it easier for individuals to invest in these systems. Although balcony solar panels are generally smaller in capacity compared to traditional installations, they provide a valuable supplemental energy source that contributes to lower electricity costs and environmental impact.

How Do Rooftop Solar Panels Work?

To understand the benefits of balcony solar panels, it’s helpful to compare them to the more traditional rooftop solar panels. Rooftop systems are typically installed on the pitched or flat roofs of residential and commercial buildings. Like balcony systems, they use a photovoltaic system to convert sunlight into electricity. However, rooftop systems often involve larger-scale installations capable of producing significantly more power.

Rooftop solar panels capture sunlight with an array of photovoltaic cells, converting it into DC electricity. This power is sent through an inverter to be transformed into usable AC power for the building. If the system produces more electricity than is immediately needed, the excess electricity can be fed back into the grid or stored in batteries, depending on the system configuration and local regulations.

In some cases, buildings with extensive rooftop solar setups function almost like a mini solar power plant, significantly reducing or even eliminating their reliance on the grid. These installations are particularly cost effective for larger properties with high energy consumption.

While rooftop systems are highly effective, they are not feasible for everyone. This is where balcony solar panels fill an important gap, offering a renewable energy source for those without access to a roof.

Why Balcony Solar Panels Matter

Balcony solar panels represent an important step forward in democratizing access to solar energy. They empower renters and apartment owners to participate in sustainable electricity generation and reduce their environmental impact. By offering an alternative to traditional energy sources, these systems help more people contribute to the shift toward renewable energies.

Another significant benefit of balcony solar systems is their long-term savings potential. While the initial investment may be modest compared to rooftop systems, users can still see meaningful reductions in their electricity bills over time. The ability to install solar panels without complex permitting or construction makes them especially attractive to urban residents.

Moreover, integrating battery storage allows users to optimize their energy use and provides backup power in the event of outages. This resilience is particularly valuable as the U.S. energy grid faces increasing pressure from extreme weather events and growing demand.

Across the U.S., a growing number of cities are flipping the switch on fossil fuels and powering up with renewables. These forward-thinking communities are showing the rest of the country (and the world) what’s possible when clean energy takes center stage.

From wind and solar to hydropower and biomass, these cities are running on clean energy dreams—and real-world results. And while they’re leading the charge, your business can plug into the movement too (more on that below).

Let’s meet some of the clean energy champions lighting the way.

4 Cities Leading Clean Energy For The US

Iowa City, IA

Iowa City is charging hard into the renewable future. With investments in solar, wind, and energy efficiency, the city is on track to run 100% of its municipal operations on renewable electricity.

They’ve already rolled out solar arrays across public buildings and launched community solar programs that let residents share in the clean power. Iowa City is proof that even small cities can make a big green impact.

Burlington, VT

Burlington became one of the first cities in the U.S. to run entirely on renewable electricity—and they did it all the way back in 2014.

How? A mix of hydropower, wind, biomass, and solar keeps the lights on in Vermont’s largest city. Burlington doesn’t just talk sustainability—they live it, from city planning to transportation to how they heat their homes.

They’ve shown the nation that renewables aren’t a dream—they’re already working.

Aspen, CO

Famous for its luxury ski resorts, Aspen also happens to be one of the most sustainable mountain towns in the U.S. In 1885, Aspen became the first American municipality west of the Mississippi to use hydroelectric power.

Aspen now runs on 100% renewable electricity, thanks to a combo of hydropower and wind. The city has also implemented strict efficiency goals, electric vehicle incentives, and green building codes that make sustainability part of everyday life.

It’s proof that clean energy isn’t just for big cities—it’s for any city with big ambition.

Seattle, WA

Over 80% of Seattle’s electricity comes from hydropower, and they’re expanding into wind and solar, too.

The city has aggressive climate goals and policies that push for clean energy adoption across public transit, buildings, and businesses. Seattle is all in on a carbon-free future—and they’re bringing the Pacific Northwest along for the ride.

How Your Business Can Employ Renewable Energy

Good news: You don’t have to be a city government to go green. Businesses across the country are making the switch to renewables—and there are more options than ever before.

Here’s how to get started!

• Join a community solar program – Even if you don’t own your building, you can tap into shared solar and cut your electric bill.
• Install on-site solar panels – Rooftop or ground-mounted systems can power your operations and provide long-term savings.
• Buy green power from your utility – Many utilities offer renewable energy subscriptions or “green tariffs” that let you buy clean electricity.
• Invest in energy storage – Combine solar with batteries to take control of your energy use and stay resilient.
• Recycle your old solar panels – Upgrading your system? We’ll take those retired panels off your hands—responsibly. Contact our solar panel recycling company today to find out more.

The U.S. solar industry is booming—and that’s not just good news for the grid, it’s great news for the planet. But behind every solar-powered home, business, or utility-scale farm, there’s one crucial component: the solar panel.

So, who’s making the high-quality panels that keep America charged up and carbon-light? We’re breaking down the top solar panel manufacturers in the U.S.—and showing you what happens after those panels reach the end of the road.

4 Leading Solar Panel Manufacturers In The Us

First Solar

When it comes to U.S.-made solar, First Solar is the real MVP. They’re one of the few manufacturers producing panels entirely on American soil, and their thin-film technology is built to withstand heat, dust, and time.

They’ve been powering everything from home rooftops to mega solar farms—and their next-gen, ultra-low carbon panels are a big step toward cleaner, more sustainable energy. When First Solar panels retire decades from now? We’ll be there to recycle them the right way.

Qcells

Qcells is investing heavily in U.S. solar production. Their Georgia facility is one of the largest in the Western Hemisphere, and they’re scaling up to meet the demand for residential, commercial, and utility-scale systems.

They make high-efficiency, budget-friendly panels that you’ll find on rooftops all across the country. Reliable, scalable, and growing fast—Qcells is helping make solar mainstream in the U.S.

Canadian Solar

Canadian Solar is a global solar giant with manufacturing right here in the States. They’ve supplied panels for some of the biggest solar projects across North America and continue to expand their U.S. operations.

Known for their quality and performance, Canadian Solar is a top choice for large-scale projects and installers alike. As panels from past projects start aging out, we’re helping make sure they don’t end up in landfills.

JinkoSolar

JinkoSolar is one of the largest solar manufacturers in the world—and they’ve got boots on the ground in the U.S. too. Their Jacksonville facility produces high-efficiency mono PERC panels that go straight into American homes and businesses.

JinkoSolar combines global scale with local impact, and their U.S.-based production is part of a broader push to strengthen domestic solar supply chains. 

How Are Solar Panels Manufactured?

Solar panels might look sleek and simple, but there’s a lot going on under the glass. Here’s a quick breakdown of how they’re made:

1. Silicon Processing

It starts with silicon—the raw material for most solar cells. Silicon is purified, melted, and formed into crystals (either monocrystalline or polycrystalline).

2. Wafer Creation

The silicon crystals are sliced into ultra-thin wafers, which will become the base of the solar cells.

3. Cell Fabrication

Wafers are treated with dopants to create a positive/negative layer setup (basically, what allows them to generate electricity when hit by sunlight).

4. Panel Assembly

Multiple cells are connected and sealed between glass and backsheet layers. Then, a metal frame and junction box are added to create a full panel.

5. Testing & Quality Checks

Panels are tested for power output, durability, and safety before heading out to power the world.

And what happens when they reach the end of their lifespan—typically 25–30 years later? At PV Solar Recycling, we help businesses, solar installers, energy companies, and utility-scale sites responsibly dispose of aging or damaged panels. We make sure those valuable materials don’t go to waste—or worse, into a landfill.

Whether your panels come from First Solar, Qcells, Canadian Solar, or JinkoSolar, we’ve got the tools, know-how, and nationwide reach to recycle them right.

The solar energy boom in the United States has taken off like a rocket—and it’s not slowing down any time soon. Across the country, massive solar farms are turning sunlight into serious power. But while these impressive sites are revolutionizing how we produce energy, they’re also creating a new challenge: what happens when panels wear out or get replaced?

That’s where we come in. At PV Solar Recycling, we help businesses responsibly recycle old or damaged solar panels—because clean energy shouldn’t come with a messy side effect.

Before we talk recycling, let’s check out some of the biggest and boldest solar panel farms lighting up the U.S. grid.

4 Of The Biggest Solar Panel Farms In The US

Copper Mountain Solar Facility

Located in Boulder City, Nevada, the Copper Mountain Solar Facility is one of the biggest solar farms in the country. It’s made up of around 9 million solar panels and produces a whopping 802 megawatts of electricity. That’s enough juice to power around 260,000 homes!

It’s a shimmering sea of panels that proves solar can go BIG—and as those panels age, we’re here to make sure they’re recycled the right way.

Edwards & Sanborn Solar + Energy Storage

This isn’t just a solar farm—it’s a solar superpower. The Edwards & Sanborn project combines massive solar energy production (over 875 megawatts) with energy storage, making it a powerhouse of clean tech.

Located in Kern County, California, this facility is pushing the limits of what’s possible with renewable energy. And when those panels reach the end of their lifespan? We’re ready to step in with responsible, cost-effective recycling solutions.

SB Orion Solar Belt

Texas is no stranger to energy innovation, and the SB Orion Solar Belt is proof. Stretching across West Texas, this solar project feeds hundreds of megawatts into the grid—and it’s still growing. With long hours of sunlight and plenty of space to expand, Texas is quickly becoming a solar hotspot. 

Solar Star

Topping the charts for years, Solar Star was once the largest solar farm in the U.S. Located in sunny California, it uses over 1.7 million solar panels to produce 579 megawatts of clean energy.

It’s been running since 2015, which means its oldest panels are already approaching retirement age. If your business operates at Solar Star or anywhere like it, let’s talk about giving those panels a second life—without sending them to landfill.

What Are Solar Farms?

If you’ve ever driven past rows and rows of solar panels stretching toward the horizon, you’ve seen a solar farm in action.

Solar farms (also called solar parks or photovoltaic power stations) are large-scale installations of solar panels designed to generate electricity for the grid. Instead of powering one home or business, they power entire communities or even entire regions.

There are two main types:

• Utility-scale farms that send power straight to the grid.
• Community solar farms that allow individuals to subscribe and share in the solar power generated.