Singapore upcycles old solar panels

Up to 5,000 tons of photovoltaic waste could be generated within the next two years if solar panels are not recycled properly. Singapore has a solar capacity of more than 630 megawatt-peak and aims to ramp up solar energy deployment to at least two gigawatt-peak by 2030. 

On average, high quality solar panels have a lifespan of approximately 20-25 years and are about 10-15% less efficient after 10 years. The lifespan of solar panels could also be shortened due to damages during transportation and installation, and in lightning strikes. 

As recycling solar panels is costly, Singapore is looking to develop new recycling cost effective technologies on a larger scale, by collating solar panel waste from countries in South-East Asia. 

Scientists from Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*Star) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) found a way to upcycle the silicon inside solar panels, turning them into thermoelectric materials that can convert heat into electricity, which can be used for cooling applications.

Earlier this year, the Singapore Government allocated $220 million under the Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2025 Urban Solutions & Sustainability to drive new initiatives in water technologies and resource circularity. 

Singapore’s goal is to achieve a 70 per cent overall recycling rate by 2030 and to develop sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions that are adopted and commercialized. The Singapore Business Federation leverages its local and global networks to run opportunity-specific programs raising awareness for green solutions. U.S. digital solution providers, manufactures, suppliers and recyclers that are interested in partnering with Singapore companies can benefit from the GlobalConnect@SBF Initiative. 

U.S. companies with solar panel recyclable expertise and energy efficiency solutions providers might wish to explore these opportunities in Singapore. 

For more information, please contact Sherry Ng, Commercial Assistant at the U.S. Commercial Service in Singapore.