Georgia solar panel manufacturer now recycles them too. What we know.
A global solar manufacturer announced Monday that it will launch a solar recycling center in Cartersville, making it the only solar company of its kind to both manufacture and recycle solar panels.
Qcells, a leader in the global solar manufacturing market, opened a plant in Cartersville just north of Atlanta April 2024, and is now kick-starting a solar panel recycling operation at a nearby facility.
“With this new business, Qcells will emerge as the first-ever crystalline silicon solar panel producer to possess a full value chain, conducting both solar panel manufacturing and recycling on U.S. soil,” said Kelly Weger, senior director of sustainability at Qcells. “Effectively managing solar waste is essential to ensure the long-term sustainability and resilience of the clean energy sector. We’re proud to be leading the charge with the launch of EcoRecycle by Qcells.”
EcoRecycle by Qcells is dedicated to recycling and repurposing valuable materials such as aluminum, glass, silver and copper as the first generation of solar panels are reaching the end of their lifespan, according to the press release from Qcells.
“At full capacity, EcoRecycle’s facility in Georgia will have the ability to recycle approximately 250 megawatts (MW) of solar panels annually – around 500,000 panels per year,” the release reads.
Qcells said it was important to build proper infrastructure to recycle retired equipment given the dominant role solar energy plays in all new energy generation, which results in a growing number if commissioned panels.
Right now, most decommissioned solar panels end up in landfills because there aren’t clear rules for recycling them.
Qcells also has a location in Dalton, employing over 4,000 people between both sites. Qcells’ total solar panel production capacity in Georgia was estimated to be 8.4 gigawatts by 2024, which is enough to power 1.3 million homes, according to a release from the Georgia Department of Economic Development.
Residential, commercial and utility scale panels are made between the two locations in the state.
“Georgia’s clean energy ecosystem continues to grow by way of EcoRecycle by Qcells in Bartow County, Georgia, and we’re so proud to be part of Qcells’ fully integrated solar panel manufacturing process from beginning to recycling,” said Melinda Lemmon, executive director at the Cartersville-Bartow County Department of Economic Development.
EcoRecycle is working to make solar panel disposal more accessible and responsible by providing a low-cost take-back service. It’s also developing advanced technology to recover materials more efficiently and sustainably, according to the release.
By using recycled materials in solar panel production, the initiative aims to cut carbon emissions, support the U.S. supply chain, and help build a circular solar economy.
“As the U.S. moves towards a more sustainable and self-reliant solar industry, EcoRecycle by Qcells is committed to pioneering innovative recycling technologies that not only reduce environmental impact, but also create economic opportunities,” said Jung-Kwon Hong, Head of Qcells Manufacturing Group. “Through strategic investments and cutting-edge solutions, we are positioning ourselves as a leader in the circular economy, ensuring that solar energy remains a truly renewable and responsible power source.”
This story was originally published June 11, 2025 at 2:42 PM.
