In a significant stride for Greece’s circular economy, Katheris has launched the nation’s inaugural Solar Panel Recycling Unit (SPRU) in Heraklion, Crete. Operational since March 2024, the facility is poised to address the end-of-life challenge for photovoltaic technology, beginning with a processing capacity of 100,000 panels each year.
A New Era: Solar panel recycling Crete: 100,000 Panels Recycled Annually
The establishment of the SPRU is a critical infrastructure development, especially as Greece continues to expand its renewable energy portfolio. The country’s solar capacity has been growing rapidly, with 1.4 GW of new PV projects connected to the grid in 2022 alone, as noted in the Greece Solar Panel Manufacturing Report. This new facility provides a vital, sustainable solution for managing panels as they reach the end of their operational life.
Manos Katheris, CEO and co-founder of the company, highlighted the project’s pioneering nature. “As the first company in Greece to initiate the end-of-life management of solar panels, we are proud to offer a sustainable solution for the responsible disposal of these devices,” he stated. The facility is equipped to handle both crystalline silicon and thin-film panels, ensuring comprehensive coverage for the market.
The recycling method is meticulous, focusing on maximum material recovery. Aluminum frames are first removed and melted down, while the glass is stripped, crushed, and prepared for reuse. A further separation process extracts valuable materials such as copper, silver, and other metals. This process aligns with global best practices, where advanced facilities can achieve material recovery rates as high as 97%.
Future Growth and Mobile Innovation
Katheris has ambitious plans for the future, aiming to increase the Heraklion plant’s capacity fivefold by 2026. The company’s vision extends beyond Crete, with plans for additional facilities on the Greek mainland and islands, as well as expansion into neighboring countries including Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Italy.
A key innovation in the company’s strategy is the development of a mobile recycling unit. This mobile solution is designed to bring the recycling process directly to remote locations, eliminating the logistical and environmental challenges of transporting bulky panels to a central plant. This will make recycling more accessible and efficient across geographically diverse regions.
By investing in this cutting-edge technology and fostering collaborations within the industry, Katheris is not only addressing a pressing environmental need but also reinforcing the foundations of a truly sustainable and circular energy sector in Greece and beyond.
Sources
- Energy & Infrastructure M&A 2025 – Greece
- 2025 Catalog of Projects
- Powering the circular economy
- FY2025 Sustainability Summary
- Adopted 2025 Budget
