According to a report by China Daily on March 19…
China has unveiled a comprehensive roadmap to manage the growing wave of retired solar panels, aiming to turn photovoltaic (PV) waste into a high-tech circular economy.
The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), along with five other government departments, recently issued guidance on the large-scale recycling and reuse of PV modules. The move signals a shift toward standardized disposal as the country’s early solar installations reach the end of their 25- to 30-year lifespans.
“China leads the world in PV installation, and many early modules are now retiring,” said Pan Helin, a member of MIIT’s Expert Committee for Information and Communication Economy. Improper handling could lead to significant resource losses, he added.
Recycling Targets and Market Potential
Under the new roadmap, China aims to recycle 250,000 metric tons of PV modules by 2027, supported by advances in layer separation and component extraction technologies. By 2030, the plan envisions a fully integrated industrial chain to handle the expected surge in decommissioned equipment.
Industry projections highlight the scale of the challenge: retired PV modules are expected to reach 1.4 million tons (around 18 GW) by 2030, and escalate to 20 million tons (253 GW) by 2040. The economic opportunity is significant, with the cumulative market for PV recycling projected to reach $3.6 billion by 2030 and potentially expand to $57 billion by 2050.
Technological and Industrial Shifts
The policy emphasizes “green design” at the manufacturing stage, encouraging the use of materials that are easier to disassemble and recycle. Recycled components, including PV frames and glass, are being reintegrated into new module production to foster a closed-loop system.
Cinda Securities notes that thermal decomposition methods are emerging as a preferred approach, offering faster processing and higher recovery rates than traditional physical or chemical methods. However, this technology requires significant investment, and the market remains fragmented with no dominant players.
Challenges and Industry Support
Illegal recycling remains a major concern. Currently, formal enterprises can process only 300,000 tons annually, leaving a 900,000-ton gap often handled by unlicensed small workshops, which could cause environmental damage.
To address this, the government plans to nurture key “backbone” enterprises and high-tech small and medium-sized “little giants.” Financial institutions are also being encouraged to provide credit support for green technology upgrades and recycling projects.
“For manufacturers, this is an opportunity for industrial upgrading. For recyclers, it’s a chance to create a competitive edge through technology,” Pan said. “Ultimately, retiring old panels will support high-quality development by enabling the adoption of more efficient next-generation solar products.”