LONGi, the world’s leading manufacturer of photovoltaic technology, announced its affiliation with Rafiqui, a Mexican non-profit civil organization dedicated to offering recycling solutions for decommissioned solar modules, in partnership with energy sector companies in Mexico.
This partnership aims to drive the development of infrastructure for solar panel recycling in Mexico, promoting a concrete solution to a pressing industry need and strengthening the commitment of participating entities to sustainability and the circular economy.
Currently, Mexico has limited options for recycling photovoltaic modules, which presents a growing challenge for solar system developers, operators, and installers.
Through this initiative, Rafiqui and key players in the solar sector aim to advance a responsible and viable alternative that enables a proper end-of-life management for panels, thus minimizing the environmental impact of the industry. LONGi is the first solar module manufacturer directly involved in this effort, taking a leadership role in environmental responsibility.
This collaboration in Mexico builds on the work LONGi is already doing internationally, such as the recent certification of Brazilian PV recycler SunR and the international PV Cycle recycling association in Brazil—the first of its kind in Latin America. LONGi already holds global PV Cycle certification in countries like China, the United States, and several others in Europe. Through this network, LONGi promotes a culture of circular economy in the world’s most advanced markets.
The project with Rafiqui reflects LONGi’s “Solar for Solar” philosophy, which promotes a model in which solar energy itself drives sustainable solutions within the industry. With this initiative, the company not only addresses a key issue for its customers in Mexico, but also sets a benchmark for environmental best practices in Latin America, further establishing its reputation as a leader in responsible innovation.
Additionally, this initiative aligns with LONGi’s global sustainability commitments, recently updated in its 2024 Sustainability Report. In this report, the company highlights progress in key areas such as a 9.14% reduction in the Group’s total electricity consumption per unit compared to 2023; 47.5% implementation of renewable energy use; a 24.8% decrease in the Group’s water consumption per unit compared to 2023; and a non-hazardous waste recycling rate of 82.7%, surpassing the ≥ 80% goal. Participation in projects like Rafiqui reinforces LONGi’s comprehensive vision to lead the energy transition with social and environmental responsibility.
About Rafiqui
Rafiqui is a Mexican non-profit civil organization dedicated to promoting a more just, responsible, and circular energy transition. Through partnerships with companies, governments, and communities, it drives solutions for the sustainable management of decommissioned clean technologies, prioritizing environmental, social, and economic impact across Mexican territory.
For more information about Rafiqui’s solar panel recycling plant, please visit our website or contact our team at www.rafiqui.ac
About LONGi
Founded in 2000, LONGi is committed to being the world’s leading solar technology company, focusing on customer-driven value creation for full scenario energy transformation.
Under its mission of 'making the best of solar energy to build a green world', LONGi has dedicated itself to technology innovation and established several business sectors, covering mono silicon wafers cells and modules, commercial & industrial distributed solar solutions, green energy solutions and hydrogen equipment. The company has honed its capabilities to provide green energy and has more recently, also embraced green hydrogen products and solutions to support global zero carbon development. www.longi.com/