Solar and sustainability
Want to know how sustainable solar panels really are, what they are made of, and what happens at the end of their lifecycle? Discover the facts and explore how the industry is working to make every step more sustainable.
Around 80-90% of the weight of a solar panel is glass and aluminium, two materials that are very recyclable (Sustainable Solar Report, December 2024). The panels also contain silicon, which is derived from quartz – basically sand. While older versions of solar panels might have contained fluorinated substances in the backsheet, the EU market has moved away from this.
The International Energy Agency has found that solar panels do produce some emissions during manufacturing in coal heavy regions, but they quickly make up for it. Most panels take just 4 to 8 months of operation to offset the energy used to make them (IEA Solar PV Global Supply Chains, 2022). After that, solar panels provide clean, zero-emissions electricity for the rest of their 25–30-year lifespan. Learn more.
At the end of their life, solar panels can be recycled. Around 90% of a panel’s materials—like glass, aluminium, and silicon—can be recovered and reused (Sustainable Solar Report, December 2024). Other valuable materials, such as silver and copper, can also be extracted and recycled. Special recycling programmes are growing across Europe to safely handle solar waste and support a circular economy.
The EU’s Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive includes specific rules for solar panels. Manufacturers are responsible for collecting and recycling panels at the end of their life, helping to ensure that valuable materials are reused and waste is properly managed.
Yes, solar panels contain materials such as silicon, silver, and aluminium—some of which are considered critical for global supply chains. The good news is that most of these materials are abundant and recyclable. The solar industry is also working hard to reduce its reliance on rare elements and boost recycling efforts.
Yes, and it’s already taking steps. Like many industries, it is often hard to see the full supply chain of solar panels. The EU has set a law that bans forced labour products and SolarPower Europe supports an independent audit system to track every part of the supply chain to ensure that solar panels are produced with respect for both people and planet. You can learn more about this initiative at the Solar Stewardship Initiative website here.
Yes, a renewable-led system needs battery storage systems. Battery storage is the ideal partner for solar PV, essential in various configurations including stand-alone, co-located with utility-scale renewables, or behind the meter at consumer sites. Batteries help spread the benefits of low-cost solar throughout the day and night, instead of just at midday.
Today, most of Europe’s solar panels are imported, mainly from China. The EU wants to change that by encouraging more local manufacturing and stronger supply chain standards. New EU laws require companies to check their supply chains for labour and environmental issues. The Net-Zero Industry Act ensures publicly funded solar projects use European-made panels, or panels which support a strong solar supply chain. The goal is to boost energy independence, create clean tech jobs, and increase Europe’s solar production.
Absolutely. Unlike fossil fuel power plants, which use large amounts of water for cooling, solar panels require very little water to operate—mainly just for occasional cleaning. Data shows that wind and solar PV technologies consume on average 279 l/MWh and 446 l/MWh respectively. Whereas technologies like nuclear consumes around 2 103 l/MWh, gas – 2 325 l/MWh and oil production around 3 190l/MWh (Boston University). This makes solar one of the most water-efficient energy sources available. It is a smart choice for regions facing water stress or looking to conserve precious natural resources. Solar offers a double benefit: cutting carbon emissions while also helping protect our freshwater supplies.
We need all forms of renewable energy including all forms of solar. Many rooftops are not suitable for solar power. Some cannot take the weight, sometimes conservation rules prohibit installation. Solar farms need to be connected to the power grid and not all unused urban land is close enough to sections of the grid where there is space to add more electricity. Fortunately, solar farms can be combined with other land uses and have a minimal impact on the land that hosts them.
