Episode 33: The Solar Waste Crisis: What’s Really Going On

Solar’s biggest criticism has always been what happens at the end of a panel’s life — and for years, that concern was valid. Most panels were landfilled, true recycling was rare, and the industry had no consistent plan. But that’s changing fast. In this episode of The Clean Energy Edge Podcast, Russ Bates sits down with Dr. Janette Freeman, Vice President of Business Development at FabTech Solar Solutions, to break down the real story behind solar end-of-life: reuse, resale, true recycling, and how the industry is building a sustainable circular economy. In this conversation, we cover: • The real scale of the solar end-of-life problem over the next 10–20 years (up to 50 million tons by 2040 globally) • Why panels were historically landfilled — and why that’s changing • The difference between reuse, basic frame recycling, and true solar recycling • What actually happens inside a panel recycling process • Precious materials in solar (silver, copper, silicon) and why circularity matters • Real-world stories where FabTech diverted thousands of panels from landfill • Why social pressure and industry leadership are driving change faster than policy • What EPCs, asset owners, developers, and municipalities should be doing now to prepare • Why companies that plan early will avoid massive future liabilities Guest Info — Dr. Janette Freeman (FabTech Solar Solutions): • “Recycling Evangelist” and one of the leading voices in solar reuse & EOL strategy • VP of Business Development at FabTech Solar Solutions • Connect with Janette: [email protected] | fabtech.net If you’re in solar development, O&M, construction, asset management, or policy — this episode matters. The first big wave of solar end-of-life is here, and the next one is massive. Planning today avoids costly surprises tomorrow. 👉 Like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone in the clean energy industry. 👉 New episodes of Clean Energy Edge every week. #SolarRecycling #CleanEnergy #SolarPanels #CircularEconomy #SolarWaste #Sustainability #EnergyTransition #RenewableEnergy #SolarReuse #FabTech #JanetteFreeman #SolarEndOfLife #PVRecycling #SolarIndustry #NXTGEN #CEEP