Desco

Responsible Electronic Recycling for companies concerned about being legally compliant and focusing on environmental sustainability.

Our Services

End-of-Life Solar Panels • Resource Recovery • Responsible Disposa

Solar Panel Recycling

Why Solar Panel Recycling Matters

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Modules contain recoverable materials

Solar panels hold aluminium frames, glass, wiring, PV cells, junction boxes—materials that can be extracted and reused or recycled.

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Heavy and bulky waste stream

Solar panels are large and expensive to transport and process: for example, transporting 1,000 tons may require ~50 truckloads in South Africa, significantly raising costs.

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Illegal landfill disposal is not an option

End-of-life solar modules must be processed responsibly rather than landfilled, requiring proper infrastructure and logistics.

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Supports circular economy & sustainability

By recovering glass, aluminium, silicon and other valuable components, we help close the loop—reduce waste, conserve resources and support a greener energy future.

Desco Our Solar Panel Recycling Service Offering

Nation-wide collection

We arrange secure pickup of decommissioned solar modules from farms, commercial installations or rooftop systems, managing chain-of-custody and transport logistics.

Dismantling & mechanical separation

Panels are dismantled to extract the aluminium frame, junction box and wiring. Then the PV material is shredded and milled to separate glass, metals and substrate.

Material processing

Separated glass, aluminium and wiring are sent to downstream customers for recycling.

Environmental, regulatory & audit compliance

We manage compliance with hazardous-waste, e-waste and environmental regulations. You receive documentation to demonstrate responsible handling.

Reporting & sustainability support

Clients receive tracing and reporting of volumes processed, recovered materials and final disposal outcomes, supporting ESG goals and regulatory obligations.

Solar Panel Recycling How the Recycling Process Works

1

Initial assessment & scheduling

We assess the solar installation: module type, volume, location, condition. Arrange a collection schedule.

2

Secure collection and transport

Modules are transported under chain-of-custody protocols to our processing facility.

3

Dismantling and shredding

Remove aluminium frame, junction box and wiring.
Shred/mill the PV module material to separate glass and substrate.

4

Material separation & recovery

Send glass and aluminium to downstream recyclers.

5

Reporting, certification & traceability

You receive detailed reports on tonnage processed, materials recovered, and certification of recycling/disposal, supporting sustainability and audit transparency.

Reclaim Your Rays. Why Choose Desco for Solar Panel Recycling

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End-to-End Service Model

We manage the full process—from collection and logistics to dismantling, material recovery, disposal and reporting—ensuring compliance, efficiency and peace of mind.

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Cost-Offset Through Resource Value Recovery

We actively offset disposal costs by salvaging recoverable materials (e.g. aluminium, glass, wiring and substrate blends), helping reduce the overall financial burden of recycling.

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Partnership with PROs to Claim EPR Funding

Desco works closely with Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs) to secure available EPR reimbursements and incentives, further reducing the net disposal cost for producers and system owners.

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Economies of Scale for Large-Volume Projects

For bulk decommissioning or utility-scale solar projects, higher quantities allow for more efficient processing and improved cost structures, passing savings directly to clients.

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Documented compliance & sustainability outcomes

Through full traceability and reporting, you can demonstrate compliance (e.g., with e-waste/EPR regulations) and advance your ESG profile.

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Supporting the renewable-energy sector

As solar and storage installations proliferate, Desco is positioned to support the decommissioning and recycling phase for this growing asset class.

Harvesting the Sun, Honoring the Earth Why Choose Desco

With over 30 years of experience in electronic and hazardous waste recycling, Desco offers:

Nationwide coverage, Certified removal and transport teams, Licensed recycling and battery processing facilities, Trusted reporting and compliance frameworks

Close the clean energy loop with confidence.

Partner with Desco for safe, sustainable, and fully compliant solar panel and storage system recycling.

Book a Collection

Speak to Our Team

GET IN TOUCH Contact Desco Electronic Recyclers today for your electronic recylcing needs. Desco is legally compliant and focuses on environmental sustainability.