Katheris has installed Greece’s first Solar Panel Recycling Unit (SPRU) in Heraklion, Crete, marking a significant step towards sustainable end-of-life management for solar panels. The facility, which was installed in March 2024, is capable of recycling 100,000 panels annually, with plans to increase capacity fivefold by 2026.
Revolutionizing Solar Panel Recycling Crete
The SPRU is designed to handle both crystalline silicon and thin-film solar panels. This facility offers a comprehensive solution for the recycling of all types of solar panels, thereby ensuring responsible disposal and contributing to a circular economy.
Katheris CEO and co-founder, Manos Katheris, emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainability. “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 said.
The recycling process involves stripping the glass from the panels, which is then crushed and melted for reuse. The aluminum frames are also stripped, crushed, and melted for recycling. The remaining materials are separated into copper, silver, and other metals, which are further processed for reuse. This approach aligns with the industry’s best practices for material recovery, as seen in other successful recycling initiatives in countries like Italy, where up to 97% of materials are recovered.
Expansion Plans for Solar Panel Recycling Crete
Looking ahead, Katheris plans to expand its operations beyond Greece. By 2026, the company aims to launch additional facilities in mainland Greece and the islands, as well as in neighboring countries such as Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Italy. This expansion is expected to further enhance the company’s capacity to manage and recycle solar panels across the region.
Katheris is also developing a mobile unit that will allow for on-site recycling of solar panels. This innovation is particularly important for remote areas where transportation of panels to a central facility may be challenging. The mobile unit will enable efficient recycling processes, thereby reducing the environmental impact of transporting large volumes of panels. The company’s expansion plans also include the development of a mobile unit for on-site recycling, which will further enhance efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of transporting large volumes of panels.
Collaboration and Innovation in Solar Panel Recycling Crete
The SPRU is part of Katheris’ broader vision for a circular economy, where products are designed to be reused, repaired, or recycled. The company is actively seeking collaboration with other businesses and organizations to further develop and promote sustainable practices within the solar industry.
The establishment of the SPRU is a significant milestone for Greece, which has been actively promoting renewable energy in recent years. The country’s solar capacity has grown significantly, with a reported connection of 1.4 GW of new photovoltaic projects to the grid in 2022 alone, as outlined in the Greece Solar Panel Manufacturing Report. The introduction of a dedicated recycling facility is a crucial step in ensuring that this growth is sustainable.
Katheris’ investment in cutting-edge technology and its ambitious expansion plans underscore the company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. By providing a comprehensive solution for the recycling of solar panels, Katheris is helping to drive the transition towards a more sustainable and environmentally responsible energy sector.
