Stokkermill unlocks circular potential in solar panel recycling

As solar energy becomes mainstream, a pressing question arises: what happens to end-oflife solar panels? Stokkermill, a key player in the recycling industry for over three decades, is leading the way in solar panel recycling solutions.

The company has dedicated years to R&D to offer a cutting-edge solution: the first recycling plant capable of processing solar panels without requiring the removal of the aluminium frame. This breakthrough significantly reduces processing time and increases overall efficiency.

The Stokkermill system is designed to treat complete panels, framed or unframed, delivering superior performance across the entire production cycle.

ITALIAN SUCCESS STORY

The advanced technology is already in operation, with Stokkermill PV recycling plants installed at several locations. One of these solar panel recycling plants has been installed in Calabria, Italy at the site of GoMetal, a trusted Stokkermill partner.

Known for its work in cable recycling and engine depollution, GoMetal integrated the system into its operations and quickly became one of the leading recyclers in southern Italy.

HIGH CAPACITY PLANTS

To meet rising volumes of end-of-life solar panels, Stokkermill developed a highthroughput plant capable of processing up to four tonnes per hour. The large-scale solution enables efficient recovery of highgrade glass and aluminium, which are reintroduced into the glass and metallurgical industries.

A major recycler based in Emilia-Romagna chose Stokkermill for its ambitious solar panel project. The full-scale industrial facility, to be operational this year, will help close the loop in the renewable sector by converting solar waste into valuable raw materials.

DUAL PURPOSE

Stokkermill’s technology is modular and adaptable. With optional components, their solar panel plants can also process end-of-life electronics. This dual-purpose capability is ideal for recyclers aiming to launch compact, flexible operations that serve multiple waste streams.

A Sardinia-based company recently partnered with Stokkermill after visiting its production facility and an operational solar panel recycling plant. Expected to go online in 2026. Stokkermill offers a comprehensive range of solutions, from mobile units for companies handling small quantities of solar panels to full-scale industrial systems for major recyclers.

One of the biggest challenges in solar panel recycling is the recovery of valuable materials, particularly silicon. Stokkermill’s high-efficiency electromechanical systems enable the recovery of a silicon-glass mixture with significant market potential, especially due to its silver content. Continuous improvements in separation and refining technologies are further enhancing commercial viability.

ADVANCED PROCESS

Modern Stokkermill plants eliminate the need for manual aluminium frame removal, a costly and time-consuming step. Instead, advanced delamination mills separate panel components. Aluminium is recovered in purified proler form (40–70 mm), suitable for direct use in metallurgical applications.

Subsequent stages target the recovery of glass and silicon-glass fractions, valuable to industries like steel manufacturing. With up to 99% of a panel’s materials being recoverable, Stokkermill’s systems set new benchmarks for recycling efficiency.

Additionally, these plants operate at less than 1 kWh per tonne of processed material, with throughput capacities of up to two tonnes per hour. To improve silicon recovery, Stokkermill developed a new automatic delamination technology that reduces equipment wear and minimises maintenance downtime.

The company has also optimised the quality of recovered glass fractions, especially those above 2 mm, which are in high demand for industrial reuse. Stokkermill is expanding its expertise internationally, highlighting the global demand for reliable solar panel recycling solutions. It is currently engaged in solar panel recycling projects across the USA, Europe and Japan.