Apr 2024 Update: Equipment for the recycling of solar and photovoltaic panels

Stokkermill has installed an advanced recycling plant for mono-crystalline and poly-crystalline solar panels, capable of processing up to 3,000 kg/hour. The system can handle complete panels with aluminum frames, reducing processing time and manual labor.

Experts estimate that an efficient system reaches break-even at around 3,000 tons/year, though smaller-scale operations can also be economically viable using multipurpose lines like this one. By 2050, it’s projected that 78 million tons of solar panels will need recycling, creating a market exceeding $15 billion and generating significant benefits for the circular economy.

The plant features Stokkermill’s proprietary delamination mill, which automatically separates panels into their component materials, eliminating the need for pre-removal of aluminum frames or pre-delamination. This reduces labor and costs while maintaining high-quality output. Nearly 100% of the panel’s weight can be recovered in reusable materials, including:

• Glass (2–8 mm particle size)
• Fine glass (up to 2 mm)
• EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) plastic fraction
• Oven-ready aluminum fraction
• Silicon powder
• Copper granulate

Recovered materials can be further refined to meet specific market or customer requirements.

Key Features of Stokkermill Photovoltaic Panel Recycling Plants:

• Treat panels of any size, monocrystalline or polycrystalline, with or without aluminum frames, damaged or intact, without prior separation
• High production capacity with minimal personnel and pre-treatment
• Flexible output quality tailored to market needs
• Capable of processing other electronic waste (WEEE R4 group), including printers, PCs, keyboards, photocopiers, and other devices

For more information, to request a quote, or to schedule a visit or material testing, contact us at info@stokkermill.com.