Qcells Expands Operations with Launch of EcoRecycle for Solar Panel Recycling

According to a company announcement released on June 9, Qcells has officially launched a new business unit, EcoRecycle by Qcells, aimed at tackling the rising volume of solar panel waste in the United States. The move comes as a growing number of early-generation solar panels approach the end of their operational life.

As reported by Qcells, the new EcoRecycle division will commence operations this year at a specialized recycling facility in Cartersville, Georgia. The plant, described as state-of-the-art, is expected to recycle up to 250 megawatts (MW) of solar panels annually — equivalent to roughly 500,000 panels — and recover materials such as glass, aluminum, silver, and copper. Qcells has indicated plans to expand its recycling infrastructure nationwide in the coming years.

According to the company’s official website, EcoRecycle represents the solar industry’s first significant vertical integration of both panel manufacturing and recycling within U.S. borders. This strategic move is aligned with Qcells’ broader sustainability goals and its ongoing investment in circular economy practices.

Industry experts have noted that the lack of federal recycling regulations has led to a majority of decommissioned panels ending up in landfills. However, as reported by several state agencies, policy discussions regarding mandatory solar recycling are gaining traction across the U.S. Meanwhile, technological improvements in material recovery — particularly high-purity separation — are helping to reduce costs and increase the value of recycled components.

As part of its core strategy, EcoRecycle is reportedly focused on three key pillars:

1. Offering an affordable take-back program with low-cost recycling options;

2. Developing proprietary separation technology to maximize resource recovery;

3. Using recycled materials in panel production to lower carbon emissions and strengthen domestic supply chains.

Jung-Kwon Hong, Head of Qcells Manufacturing Group, was quoted as saying that the new business unit reflects Qcells’ dedication to environmental leadership: “EcoRecycle by Qcells is committed to pioneering innovative recycling technologies that not only reduce environmental impact, but also create economic opportunities.”

Local authorities have also expressed support. According to Melinda Lemmon, Executive Director of the Cartersville-Bartow County Department of Economic Development, the project contributes to Georgia’s growing clean energy ecosystem. “We’re so proud to be part of Qcells’ fully integrated solar panel manufacturing process from beginning to recycling,” she said.

With the establishment of EcoRecycle, Qcells becomes the first-ever crystalline silicon (C-Si) solar panel producer to offer a complete value chain, from manufacturing to recycling on U.S. soil. Kelly Weger, Senior Director of Sustainability at Qcells, emphasized the importance of responsible solar waste management, stating, “Effectively managing solar waste is essential to ensure the long-term sustainability and resilience of the clean energy sector. We’re proud to be leading the charge with the launch of EcoRecycle by Qcells.”

Source: Qcells