Sustainable materials company EMR has joined Solar Energy UK to help create options for end-of-life solar assets.
A trade association which supports and represents companies in the sector, Solar Energy UK’s 425-strong membership includes a host of innovators and investors.
There are currently limited treatment options for end-of-life solar assets in the UK.
Working together with Solar Energy UK’s network of businesses across the solar energy supply chain will accelerate EMR’s efforts to increase circularity in this sector, the company said.
The news follows the recent opening of EMR’s Wind Turbine Processing Centre in Glasgow South Street.
With its history of recycling, reusing and repurposing ferrous and non-ferrous metals – as well as commonly-used plastics via MBA Polymers UK – EMR can process a range of solar panel components.
It is also one of the UK’s largest recyclers of waste electronics and electrical equipment.
EMR’s market development lead Ben Lester said: “At EMR, we have long been focused on helping innovative businesses in the renewable energy sector find credible, effective, and sustainable ways to reuse, repurpose and recycle their end-of-life assets.
“Joining forces with similarly focused businesses and organisations as part of Solar Energy UK represents an exciting opportunity to share our progress, learn more about the industry’s needs and add our voice to the call for better regulation and support for the sector, as a whole.
“Right now, the number of solar panels that reach end of life in the UK is very small.
“Yet, by 2050, the industry expects there will be over 1 million panels that need decommissioning in this country alone.
“That gives EMR – and its customers and partners – a valuable headstart when it comes to building and scaling up an effective circular economy for the materials they contain.
“By building partnerships with the many dedicated members in Solar Energy UK today, EMR is taking another important step on this journey towards a greener future, powered by renewable electricity.”
Solar Energy UK’s chief executive Chris Hewett said: “I am very pleased to see EMR join the Solar Energy UK family and welcome its work to improve the sustainability of the sector.
“Demand for solar recycling services is going to expand significantly in the coming years, particularly as first-generation assets are retired and repowered, so EMR is wise to get ahead of its competitors.”