ENGIE and SOLARCYCLE Launch Landmark “Precycling” Model for U.S. Solar Projects

According to an official announcement published on ENGIE North America’s website, the energy firm has launched a new initiative in collaboration with solar recycling technology company SOLARCYCLE to introduce a “precycling” provision into four upcoming solar projects across the U.S. Midwest.

As reported, the provision integrates end-of-life recycling of solar panels and system components directly into the initial power purchase agreements (PPAs), marking a significant shift in how circularity is addressed in utility-scale clean energy projects. The initiative will cover approximately one million solar panels, representing a total capacity of 375 megawatts (MW). These panels will be recycled once they reach the end of their operational lifespan.

According to estimates provided by SOLARCYCLE, this effort is expected to divert over 48 million pounds of material from landfills and prevent around 33,000 tons of carbon emissions. In addition, construction waste and other system materials will also be recycled “to the maximum extent possible,” the companies stated.

Traceable, Circular, and Domestic

ENGIE’s decision comes amid growing demand for domestic clean energy solutions that also meet sustainability and traceability standards. According to the company, incorporating recycling measures from the planning stage enables developers to meet corporate and environmental goals without waiting for future regulation.

“Precycling,” as described by ENGIE, ensures that recovered materials re-enter the domestic supply chain, thereby supporting the production of future clean energy infrastructure. This is made possible through SOLARCYCLE’s advanced tracking capabilities, which allow full lifecycle traceability of each solar panel deployed.

In a joint statement, Caroline Mead, ENGIE North America’s SVP of Power Marketing, emphasized the strategic importance of the collaboration: “We are delighted to bring this innovative approach to life. Our collaboration with SOLARCYCLE demonstrates the shared commitment we have to the long-term sustainability of our industry.”

SOLARCYCLE Co-founder and CCO Jesse Simons added that the precycling framework “sets a precedent” for how circular principles can be integrated without requiring complex regulatory mechanisms or upfront costs.

Part of ENGIE’s Expanding Clean Energy Portfolio

According to publicly available figures, these four pilot projects will add to ENGIE’s existing renewable energy operations in North America, which already exceed 12 gigawatts (GW) of wind, solar, and battery storage capacity.

Analysts suggest that this collaboration may become a model for how solar developers and energy buyers incorporate end-of-life planning into project design from day one—an approach increasingly seen as essential to achieving long-term decarbonization and supply chain resilience.

Source: ENGIE North America