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Written by: E. George
Published June 12, 2025 @ 5:55 PM ET
BARTOW COUNTY, Ga. – Hanwha Qcells, a major player in the solar manufacturing industry, has introduced a new initiative aimed at tackling solar panel waste, reinforcing its broader strategy to localize and decarbonize solar energy production in the United States.
The company recently announced the launch of EcoRecycle by Qcells, a new business division focused on reclaiming and repurposing decommissioned solar panels. Set to begin operations this year in Cartersville, Georgia, the facility marks Qcells’ first venture into large-scale panel recycling and is expected to handle up to 250 megawatts’ worth of modules annually — equivalent to approximately 500,000 panels.
The recycling center will be located near Qcells’ rapidly expanding manufacturing complex in Cartersville, which is part of the company’s broader Solar Hub. This interconnected supply chain spans from the production of ingots and wafers to the assembly of full photovoltaic modules. When fully operational, the Cartersville site will be capable of producing 3.3 gigawatts of solar components per year, bolstering Qcells’ total U.S. capacity to 8.4 gigawatts when combined with its recently expanded Dalton, Georgia, facility.
The new EcoRecycle plant aims to recover and reuse critical materials found in solar panels, such as aluminum, glass, copper, and silver, utilizing advanced separation technologies. These recovered materials are expected to be reintroduced into the production cycle, helping to strengthen domestic supply chains and reduce carbon emissions tied to panel manufacturing.
Beyond its environmental objectives, the company’s recycling initiative is positioned to create new economic opportunities across the region. According to local economic development reports, Qcells’ presence in Bartow and Whitfield counties could result in nearly 6,800 indirect jobs and contribute more than $2 billion in annual economic output.
EcoRecycle’s strategy focuses on three core elements: affordable panel take-back programs for consumers, high-efficiency material recovery processes, and the reintegration of reclaimed materials into new solar products. These efforts aim to position Qcells as a leader in the circular solar economy at a time when end-of-life solar panels are beginning to enter the waste stream in increasing numbers.
Currently, most decommissioned solar modules in the U.S. end up in landfills, largely due to a lack of federal recycling mandates. However, ongoing legislative discussions at the state level and recent technological advancements suggest a shift toward more structured recycling protocols in the near future.
Qcells’ decision to enter the recycling market comes after securing a $1.45 billion loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Energy in late 2024, further signaling federal support for the company’s domestic expansion and sustainability initiatives.
As the demand for solar energy continues to rise and the first wave of aging solar infrastructure approaches obsoleteness, Qcells’ investment in EcoRecycle reflects a growing industry emphasis on lifecycle management and environmental stewardship.
The company has stated intentions to expand its recycling network beyond Georgia, with additional sites planned to scale up operations nationwide. This move underscores a commitment not only to renewable energy generation but also to ensuring responsible handling of its associated waste.
With EcoRecycle, Qcells becomes the first crystalline silicon solar manufacturer in the U.S. to operate a vertically integrated production and recycling system — a milestone that may signal a turning point for circular economy practices in the American solar sector.