Committed to Responsible Life-Cycle Management
At First Solar, we believe that powering the future with renewable solar energy requires a commitment to responsible product life cycle and end-of-life (EOL) management. As PV solar scales globally, we need to ensure that solutions to clean energy don’t pose a waste management burden for future generations. First Solar leads the industry with proven recycling solutions that fulfill solar’s promise as a clean and sustainable renewable energy.
First Solar’s Flexible and Commercially Attractive Recycling Offering
First Solar is committed to providing a commercially attractive recycling solution for photovoltaic (PV) power plant and module owners to help them meet their module EOL obligation simply, cost-effectively and responsibly. Our competitive and flexible recycling offering enables power plant owners to maximize their return on capital and overall financial returns. Our recycling services can be easily integrated into O&M (operations and maintenance), EPC (engineering, procurement and construction), as well as PV power plant and module sales agreements.
Recycling with First Solar:
- Convenient and globally available—one source for all your PV power plant needs
- Competitive and cost-effective
- Flexibility offered through contracts with renewable pricing
- No up-front fees. Our pay-as-you-go model enables you to recycle on a per-unit basis
- Scalable from construction through decommissioning
- Responsible recycling you can trust—we operate to sound responsible global standards
Global, Proven, Industry-Leading Expertise
First Solar’s long-standing leadership in PV lifecycle management and recycling gives system owners confidence in knowing that their modules will be managed to sound and responsible global standards. First Solar pioneered the first global and comprehensive recycling program in the PV industry in 2005. Our state-of-the-art recycling facilities are operational at all our manufacturing plants and have a scalable capacity to accommodate high volume recycling as more modules reach the end of their 25+ year life. Our experience in recycling has allowed us to continuously improve processes, technology, and reduce operational costs.
Our proven, state-of-the-art recycling process achieves high recovery rates; up to 95% of the semiconductor material can be reused in new modules and 90% of the glass can be reused in new glass products. Our recycling facilities are well-managed and certified to globally recognized standards: ISO 14001 for Environmental Management, ISO 9001 for Quality and OHSAS 18001 for Occupational Health and Safety.
*Cadmium and tellurium separation and refining are conducted by a third-party.