Qcells and Greentech Renewables partner to create solar panel collection hubs in Florida for nationwide recycling expansion in the US
Tampa and Palmetto locations of Greentech Renewables allow public drop-offs of decommissioned panels
These centers will be open to both industry professionals and residential owners to make recycling accessible to such users
Qcells, the US solar PV manufacturer, has announced a partnership between its newly launched solar module recycling division, EcoRecycle, and solar products distributor Greentech Renewables for a new strategic solar module recycling initiative.
Under the partnership, Greentech is offering its Tampa and Palmetto distribution centers in Florida to be used as collection hubs for end-of-life (EOL) panels.
These locations will serve as public drop-off points for decommissioned or damaged solar panels from both industry professionals and residential owners. Qcells explains that these hubs provide a local solution for diverting aging panels from landfills and supporting long-term solar sustainability efforts.
“Effectively managing solar panel waste is essential to the health of the clean energy transition. Through this collaboration, we are offering customers and communities a no-landfill, truly circular solution that supports their sustainability goals while driving progress for the entire industry,” said Qcells Senior Director of Sustainability, Kelly Weger.
These hubs will serve as a prototype for similar collection sites across Florida and the broader Southeast, before spreading out across the country, according to their plan.
“With solar distribution centers strategically located across Florida, Greentech Renewables is making it easier for customers of all sizes to participate in this recycling initiative and advance the circular solar economy,” added Hunter David of Greentech Renewables.
Part of South Korea’s Hanwha Group, Qcells established EcoRecycle in June this year to recycle close to 250 MW solar panels at full capacity in White, Georgia. This represents around 50,000 panels a year, to recover and repurpose materials such as aluminum, glass, silver, and copper (see Qcells Goes Circular With New Solar Recycling Division).