【SMM Aluminum Flash News】Solar PV Recycling Set to Unlock Growing Supply of Secondary Aluminum and Other Metals

Published: Aug 13, 2026 10:39

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Rapid growth in global solar installations is creating a new source of secondary raw materials as increasing volumes of PV modules approach end-of-life. Global installed solar PV capacity reached 2.4 TW by the end of 2025, while IRENA forecasts PV waste could increase from 0.2 million tonnes in 2021 to 4 million tonnes in 2030, nearly 50 million tonnes in 2040 and over 200 million tonnes by 2050. Recovered materials could meet around 20% of future aluminum and copper demand and 70% of silver demand for PV expansion by 2040, with recovered metals potentially worth around US$6 billion annually. Major markets including the EU, China, India and South Korea are strengthening EPR and recycling frameworks as the industry prepares for larger volumes of retired solar panels.

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