Solar Panel Recycling/Scrap Values - Calling all knowledgable E-Waste guys!

What's up all. How's everyone doing?

I have had a Solar Energy business here in NY/NJ for just over 5 years now. In getting involved with this business I have seen the direction, and the volume that is moving through all these different outlets we sell to. Who's building a solar farm, who's got em' on their house, who put em' on their business, yada yada yada...

One HUGE thing that has not been looked at through this is what happens when the panels are gone, what happens when they break, what happens when the life cycle of the system is done??? Where do they go, and what do we do with them, is there any profit in the reuse, removal, scrap, or recycling of them (outside of the obvious materials).

I'm sure there HAS TO be another thread on here addressing this, but the good ol' google search bar didn't send me there so I started this one.

I'm curious to know if there is any scrap value in the Mono/Polycrystalline silicon, Cadmium, and other materials used in the panel, and where can we scrap it here in the states. I know there's a boat load of regulation as far as shipping, and storing, but I guess that's the reason I'm starting the thread... to see who knows what, and gain some knowledge of this side of the industry.

I'm curious if anyone has looking into this side of the E-Waste Business yet, or is currently involved in it, and if you have found any success with it. I know it's a bit early in the game for this side, but who knows... I've been looking for some experienced people to speak with on this, but haven't found many short of a guy in Belgium who has yet to return my emails, LOL.



Looking forward to talking with everyone and seeing if maybe my future business partner is lurking around on these boards somewhere...

Brando

Yes there are company's/people that buy scrap Mono/Poly crystalline silicon, as well as parts of solar panels either broken or manufacturing leftovers .How much does your company produce in a month? would you want cash payment or trade equal value for new panels that your company can use?

From the site:
We can take care of all your silicon recycling needs. Our capabilities include reclaiming and recycling of scrap silicon, including bare, coated and patterned IC silicon wafers, as well as broken solar cells. We will buy reclaim material from any part of the solar manufacturing chain including:

Silicon Scrap
Broken Solar Cells
Broken Wafers
Scrap Wafers
IC and Solar Pot Scrap
IC and Solar Tops & Tails
Broken Ingot
Off-spec silicon
IC Grade Whole and Broken Wafers (Bare, Coated or Patterned)
We develop customized solutions for our customers that include in-house inspection and quality control programs for all silicon scrap materials. We will buy all of your scrap silicon, and with our extensive network of relationships in the solar industry, we will maximize your return for your broken solar cells, tops and tails, pot scrap and broken wafers. We guarantee all of our materials meet the specifications quoted.

We are able to process whole and broken IC wafers that require IP removal. We has established partnerships around the world to facilitate this process and we will provide certificates of destruction for all your IP removal requirements.

Want to make a trade? We offer our customers various trade-in programs - new silicon wafers or virgin Polysilicon in exchange for reclaimed silicon products. Contact us to inquire how this program will maximize your silicon profitability.

This company although not founded in the U.S. has a headquarters in the U.S. 2 sales offices, and a warehouse.
I will send you the link via PM when you have enough posts.
Good luck and hope it's what you are looking for.