Redux Launches Advanced Automated Solar Panel Recycling Facility

Singapore is preparing for a significant rise in solar e-waste as early batches of its photovoltaic (PV) systems approach maturity, according to information shared by Redux and industry sources. Company data suggests that the number of panels expected to be decommissioned locally could reach about 143,000 units a year within the next two years, reflecting an urgent need for solutions that support a circular energy economy.

In response to this emerging challenge, Singapore-based e-waste recycler Redux has unveiled an advanced automated facility designed specifically for end-of-life solar panels. The launch, according to the company’s announcement, comes amid concerns that limited long-term solar maintenance services in Singapore have led to accelerated degradation. While solar modules in many countries remain operational for more than 25 years, it is understood that panels installed in Singapore often experience efficiency loss as early as year seven. This results in premature replacement cycles and growing volumes of PV waste that require proper management to avoid landfill risks.

According to Redux, the new initiative—developed under the partnership banner Project SolaREV—aims to recover, recycle and reuse up to 96% of each solar panel. Industry reports indicate that the system relies on low-energy processing, using just 1.14 kWh to separate glass, metals and silver with significantly reduced emissions. The automated line can dismantle and process 18 panels per hour, or roughly 36,000 per year, representing nearly 27% of Singapore’s total PV waste stream. Recovered materials are then transferred to downstream recyclers for further refinement.

The project is a collaboration between three local firms—Redux, EtaVolt and Vector Green. According to statements provided by the companies, Redux will oversee material recovery and carbon-impact reporting; EtaVolt will contribute engineering design, PV material analysis and process adaptation; and Vector Green will manage on-site decommissioning, collection and transport. This integrated model combines field operations, automated dismantling, materials characterization and holistic data reporting within a unified workflow.

“Project SolaREV is an industry-first to merge advanced automation with an integrated partnership and reporting system to oversee the end-to-end management of and significantly reduce PV waste in Singapore,” said Jeff Seah, Founder and Business Development Director of Redux, in a statement. He noted that the framework could eventually set a regional benchmark as more Southeast Asian markets face rising PV waste volumes.

Industry analysts say the move aligns with broader trends across the region. According to expert assessments, Southeast Asia is expanding solar deployment rapidly in its transition toward decarbonization, which in turn will generate a growing stream of end-of-life PV materials. Discussions are reportedly underway in several jurisdictions regarding potential extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes, incentives for recycling infrastructure and stricter circularity requirements for renewable-energy systems. Observers note that Singapore’s early development of automated recycling capability and partnership-based models may place it ahead of regional peers in preparing for the next wave of solar-waste challenges.

In summary, Project SolaREV represents an important milestone for Singapore as it strengthens its approach to managing the full lifecycle of solar technologies. According to company executives and industry watchers, improved material recovery, reduced emissions and coordinated partnerships could help establish a more resilient and sustainable PV-waste ecosystem in the years ahead.

Source: Redux

SUNSHINE Spotlight: Singapore’s new recycling push underscores the growing need to pair renewable-energy expansion with responsible end-of-life management.