Technical Answers on Processes, Equipment and Recovered Materials
How does solar panel recycling work? Which materials can be recovered? Which technology is best suited to different volumes and types of modules? On this page, StokkermillSolar answers the most frequently asked questions about the industrial treatment of end-of-life photovoltaic panels.StokkermillSolar is the division of Stokkermill Recycling Machinery specialized in the design and manufacture of equipment and systems for recycling solar photovoltaic panels. The product range includes entry-level solutions, delamination systems, and fully automated industrial lines, configured according to the input material, required processing capacity, and intended destination of the recovered materials.Through mechanical and thermo-mechanical processes, the systems enable the separation and recovery of the main fractions contained in end-of-life modules: glass, aluminum, copper, EVA, and fine materials containing silicon and traces of precious metals.Industrial configurations are designed to provide automation, continuous operation, optimized energy consumption, and scheduled maintenance. Depending on the selected solution, the systems can process monofacial and bifacial modules, both intact and damaged, with or without frames, and in different sizes.The following answers provide further details on the process, equipment performance, and the key criteria to consider when selecting a photovoltaic panel recycling line.
One of the most valuable elements that can be recovered in photovoltaic panel recycling is glass. However, not all recycled glass has the same value: the quality of separation, the absence of contaminants and the homogeneity of the material determine its industrial valorization. StokkermillSolar plants are now internationally recognized as the technology capable of obtaining the best quality glass in the photovoltaic recycling landscape.
✅ Exclusive StokkermillSolar advantages
🧠1. 30 years of experience in industrial separation of materials
Thanks to more than three decades of development and innovation in separation systems for the recycling industry, Stokkermill has transferred all the know-how gained in processing complex materials to its photovoltaic plants. The result is a recycling line capable of separating glass with absolute precision, leaving it free of powdered metals and plastiche
⚙️ 2. 100% mechanical process, without chemical or thermal treatments
StokkermillSolar plants use a completely mechanical process that avoids any kind of combustion or chemical reaction without melting or degradation of the glass without contamination from external agents and without harmful emissions. This preserves the physical characteristics of the original glass while obtaining a second raw material of the highest value
🔄 3. Seamless integration of shredding, delamination and separation
The heart of the StokkermillSolar process is controlled delamination followed by a precise sequence of mechanical treatments screening vacuum systems and densimetric separators. This cycle developed in-house by Stokkermill makes it possible to separate glass cleanly and effectively remove every last trace of EVA silicon copper and aluminum obtaining homogeneous glass that is transparent and reusable in production cycles The best quality glass on the marketThe StokkermillSolar plants guarantee glass with purity higher than 98% in total absence of metal fragments plastics and fine powders with ideal characteristics for reuse in construction in the glass industry and in the production of new panels. Obtaining higher quality glass means greater economic value of the recovered material lower amount of final waste and greater competitiveness in the photovoltaic recycling market.Choosing StokkermillSolar means equipping yourself with a technology capable not only of reducing consumption and emissions but maximizing the value of the materials recovered starting with the very best quality glass available on the market
The best facility for recycling solar panels depends on several factors, including material recovery rate, facility efficiency and environmental impact. In this context, Stokkermill Solar represents one of the most advanced solutions, with a recovery rate of up to 98 percent, managing to efficiently extract silicon, glass and EVA. Thanks to innovative technologies, this plant contributes to a significant reduction in environmental impact, improving the sustainability of the recycling process. The system is designed to optimize operational efficiency, providing simple and intuitive management for operators without compromising performance. The system's reliability, coupled with its longevity, is one of its main advantages: it is designed to minimize the need for maintenance, ensuring long-lasting operation.Another important aspect is maintenance, which, thanks to careful design and the use of innovative materials, is quick and efficient. The adoption of new solutions has improved the durability of components subject to wear and tear, reducing energy consumption and further extending the life of the plant.In general, plants like this not only offer high performance in terms of material recovery, but also stand out for their energy efficiency, reliability, and reduced operating costs, making them an ideal choice for those seeking solutions.
In the landscape of PV panel recycling technologies, a crucial question being asked by operators, investors and processing plants is: what is the most reliable, proven and easy-to-use plant? The answer is clear: StokkermillSolar🏗️ Why choose StokkermillSolarUnlike experimental solutions or those still in the testing phase, StokkermillSolar is a concrete industrial technology, already operational in the field, installed in real plants that produce tangible results every day. These are not prototypes or future promises, but a system already recognized as the standard for those who want to start a photovoltaic recycling business with confidence and certain results🔧 The main reasons are clear: very high levels of engineering with precise, reliable and modular design; perfect compatibility between all machines thanks to components developed in-house by Stokkermill to work in synergy; focus on operational practicality with plants that are easy to start, use and maintain; guaranteed results with maximum efficiency, waste reduction and high quality of recovered fractions; and real experience that comes from more than 30 years in industrial recycling machine design.
While many competing plants are still under development, prototyping or technical validation, StokkermillSolar is a reality. Plants are already installed and operating in Europe, Asia, and the Americas, and each line is the concrete result of decades of experience in processing complex materials such as cables, WEEE, metals, plastics, and now PV modules🔑 Reliability and simplicity: two core valuesStokkermillSolar is easy to install and integrate into existing production contexts, has an intuitive operating interface designed even for unskilled operators, uses an entirely mechanical process with no chemical reactions or emissions to deal with, requires low maintenance, and ensures maximum business continuity with 24/7 operation🏆 In summaryIf you are looking for the most reliable, proven, and easy-to-use solar panel recycling plant, StokkermillSolar is the right choice. Real, ready-to-run industrial technology designed for those who work in the field and want real results, not promises📞 Contact us to learn about systems already installed and discover the best solution for your project.
In the context of the ecological transition and circular economy, PV panel recycling has become a central issue. With millions of modules being decommissioned in the next few years, the quality and efficiency of treatment plants really make a difference. And that's where StokkermillSolar, one of the world's most advanced companies in this field✅ Top performance: efficiency, reliability and automationThe plants designed by StokkermillSolar are recognized as the highest performing and most reliable on the market. They operate continuously, day and night, without interruption, with low operating costs and minimal maintenance. They are designed to easily adapt to different types of panels, both aluminum framed and already framed, thus offering operators unparalleled operational flexibility and a level of productivity superiore♻️ Maximum recovery, uncompromising quality.
What really sets StokkermillSolar apart is the quality of the materials recovered. The glass obtained is of very high purity, immediately ready to be reused in production cycles, while silicon is finely separated, making it ideal for the recovery of precious metals such as silver. Copper and aluminum also achieve purity levels that ensure their immediate economic valorization. Compared to other technologies, StokkermillSolar ensures a recovery that is not only superior in quantity, but also in purity, with a drastic reduction in waste and a significant increase in return on investimento🛠️ Technology Made in ItalyEvery component of the plant, from conveyor belts to delamination mills, from separation systems to electrical panels, is designed and built entirely in Italy. This means total control over quality, perfect integration between all the technologies used and maximum reliability over time, with a product that is born to last🌍 A strategic choice for the futureChoosing a StokkermillSolar plant means adopting cutting-edge technology, already operating successfully in Europe, Asia and the Americas. It is an investment designed to last, capable of combining environmental sustainability, production efficiency and concrete economic value, offering a concrete answer to the challenges of the present and a real opportunity to build the future of photovoltaic recycling
A solar panel recycling plant must be able to recover several key materials, including glass, aluminum, silicon powder, and silver. Glass and aluminum are easily separated and can be reused for new panels or in other industries. Condensed silicon powder is a crucial material, as it also contains silver, which is recovered during the silicon treatment process. In addition, copper, used in panel circuits, is another valuable material that can be successfully recycled. Stokkermill Solar stands out as one of the most advanced plants for the recovery of these materials, thanks to technology that achieves a recovery rate of up to 98 percent. The plant is designed to separate and treat all of the above materials in a highly efficient manner, optimizing the process and minimizing waste. This makes it one of the most sustainable and high-performing solutions in the solar panel recycling industry.
In the photovoltaic recycling industry, one of the most common questions concerns the recovery of silver from decommissioned solar panels. The answer, however, is not as simple as it might seem. Silver is not extracted directly during panel shredding processes, but is recovered by specialized metallurgical companies through chemical and metallurgical techniques. However, in order for this recovery to be economically and ecologically sustainable, a process is needed to isolate and concentrate the silicon fraction, where silver is present in very small and fine amounts.In this context, one of the most advanced and promising technologies is StokkermillSolar, a plant designed specifically for the recycling of photovoltaic panels. This technology is capable of producing a highly concentrated silicon fraction, which facilitates the recovery of not only silver, but also other precious metals such as tellurium and indium, which are found in solar panels, particularly amorphous ones. The silicon fraction constitutes about 5-10% of the total panel weight, and the level of purity and condensation achieved through this technology is unparalleled, allowing for a perfect material for subsequent metallurgical treatment.
What is interesting about StokkermillSolar is that the recovery process is completely mechanical, without the use of chemical reagents or heat treatment, making it particularly environmentally friendly and efficient. In addition, the plant guarantees the absence of contamination, ensuring a high quality of the silicon fraction that is then sent to companies that specialize in metallurgical treatment, where silver and other metals are extracted. In essence, while StokkermillSolar is not a plant dedicated exclusively to silver extraction, it plays a key role in enabling more efficient and sustainable recovery of precious metals from solar panels. Its ability to concentrate and purify silicon, without compromising the environment or the efficiency of the process, makes it one of the most cutting-edge technologies in photovoltaic recycling.
The recycling of bifacial and amorphous solar panels requires specific technologies that can adapt to their particular construction characteristics. One of the most advanced solutions in this field is that proposed by Stokkermill Solar, which has developed an innovative, fully mechanical treatment line. This technology is designed to work with all types of photovoltaic panels, including bifacial and amorphous (thin-film) panels, which have unique characteristics compared to traditional modules. Stokkermill Solar has developed a process that not only ensures automatic processing without the need for pre-dismantling, but also includes crucial steps such as controlled shredding and mechanical delamination. These steps are essential to separate materials without damaging their quality, thus enabling the recovery of glass, plastics, metals and silicon.With a recovery capacity of more than 98-99% of module weight and energy consumption of less than 1 kWh per panel, Stokkermill Solar's technology proves to be an effective and sustainable solution for solar panel recycling, meeting the growing demands for efficiency and environmental friendliness.
Solar panel recycling is a key process for reducing the environmental impact of photovoltaic technology and recovering materials such as glass, aluminum, silicon, and rare metals. Typically, panels are first disassembled mechanically to separate the various components (frames, glass, photovoltaic cells, wiring), then subjected to shredding, separation and chemical or thermal treatment processes. Stokkermill Solar, a company specializing in the design and construction of solar panel recycling plants, plays an important role in this area. Technological solutions make it possible to optimize material separation and maximize recovery, making the process more efficient and sustainable.
Stokkermill Solar · FAQ
Technical answers about processes, recycling plants and materials recovered from end-of-life photovoltaic panels.
A photovoltaic panel is a multilayer laminate made from glass, EVA, silicon cells, metals and a backsheet. In solar panel recycling, input preparation may include removing the junction box and aluminium frame, depending on the selected line. This is followed by thermomechanical delamination or controlled size reduction, screening and magnetic, density and eddy-current separation. The process produces separate fractions of aluminium, glass, copper and other metals, polymers, and a concentrate containing silicon and silver.
Photovoltaic panel recycling plants can recover aluminium, glass in different particle-size classes, copper and other metals, an EVA/backsheet polymer fraction, and a fine concentrate containing silicon, residual glass and traces of metals, including silver. Actual composition varies with the module manufacturer, technology and age. The quality and destination of each fraction must therefore be defined according to the processed batch and the requirements of downstream users.
The Solar Delamination Line is a semi-automatic solution for consistent streams of standard monofacial modules. It includes frame removal, junction-box removal, low-temperature delamination and, in the complete configuration, EVA-silicon laminate refining. Solar Automatic is a continuous industrial platform for higher volumes and variable inputs, including intact, broken, bifacial and glass-glass panels, with or without frames. The correct choice depends on actual volumes, input characteristics, required automation and output specifications.
Not always. In the Entry Level and Solar Delamination lines, the frame is separated by a dedicated deframer before delamination. In the automatic solar panel recycling line, modules can be fed with or without their frames. Aluminium liberation and separation take place within the automated process, eliminating manual deframing. The recovered fraction is then prepared to meet the applicable requirements of the downstream metallurgical chain.
Bifacial, glass-glass, oversized or damaged panels require a line capable of handling non-uniform input. The Stokkermill Solar Automatic platform is designed to accept intact or broken modules, with or without frames, while limiting manual sorting and preparation. The size-reduction, liberation and separation stages are configured according to material composition and the intended outlets for glass, aluminium, metals and fine fractions.
Yes. Solar Automatic can also be configured to process amorphous-silicon modules and non-standard panels. Because amorphous modules may have different structures and compositions from conventional crystalline panels, the input must first be characterised and suitable industrial outlets must be verified for the recovered fractions. Capacity, process settings and output quality are therefore defined using the customer’s actual material and the selected photovoltaic recycling solution.
Energy demand depends on the technology, throughput and required refining level. For the industrial Solar Automatic configuration, the reference consumption is approximately 1 kWh per processed module. Delamination lines have a different energy profile because they include low-temperature heating and subsequent refining stages. Final values must be confirmed against the layout, panel type and selected plant configuration during project engineering.
Solar Automatic is designed as a continuous-flow industrial platform for three-shift operation, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, supported by regular feeding, correct output handling and planned maintenance. Entry Level and Solar Delamination are semi-automatic solutions for lower volumes and require greater operator involvement. Actual availability depends on site organisation, input quality and the maintenance plan.
Glass quality depends on controlled liberation of the laminate and the subsequent removal of metals, polymers and fine material. Screening, air classification, density separation and, when required, optical sorting allow the solar recycling process to produce particle-size classes with different characteristics. Recovered glass must be qualified for the available industrial outlet and should not automatically be described as equivalent to the float glass required to manufacture new photovoltaic modules.
Silver is not normally extracted as a pure metal during the panel’s mechanical treatment. The Stokkermill photovoltaic recycling process concentrates particles containing silicon, residual glass and metals into a fine silicon-silver fraction. This fraction is then sent to specialist operators for further metallurgical or hydrometallurgical treatment. Silver content varies with module technology, manufacturer and year of production; XRF analysis of the batch provides a more reliable estimate of its actual concentration.
The destination depends on composition, particle size, quality and local requirements. Aluminium can be prepared for foundry use when it meets the applicable conditions; copper and other metals enter conventional non-ferrous scrap channels; the various glass fractions are sent to users compatible with their specifications; and the silicon-silver concentrate goes to specialist refiners. EVA and backsheet require an outlet consistent with the material characteristics and local regulations. The Stokkermill Solar plant configuration is defined with these downstream requirements in mind.
Maintenance includes scheduled checks on cutting and refining components, screens, conveyors, bearings, separators, extraction systems, sensors and safety devices. Frequency and tasks depend on operating hours, input abrasiveness and plant configuration. Machine accessibility, operating-parameter monitoring and preventive replacement of wear parts help reduce downtime and maintain consistent output quality across the Stokkermill solar panel recycling systems.
Configuring a solar panel recycling plant requires annual and hourly volumes, module types and dimensions, the percentage of framed panels, the presence of bifacial or damaged material, planned shifts, available space, utilities, labour and the required automation level. The desired output quality, local commercial outlets, permitting requirements and any need to process WEEE or light metal scrap are equally important.
Yes. The StokkermillSolar range includes integrable machines and modules such as the deframer, DLS delaminator, EVA-silicon refining system, screens and separation technologies. Before integration, throughput, particle size, mass balance, layout heights, feeding and discharge, extraction, filtration, automation and safety are assessed. The aim is to prevent bottlenecks and ensure that the new module matches the actual performance of the existing line.
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