Katheris has installed Greece’s first Solar Panel Recycling Unit (SPRU) in Heraklion, Crete, a significant step towards sustainable end-of-life management for solar panels. Installed in March 2024, the facility can recycle 100,000 panels annually, with plans to increase that capacity fivefold by 2026.
Revolutionizing Solar Panel Recycling Crete
Designed to handle both crystalline silicon and thin-film solar panels, the SPRU offers a comprehensive solution for responsible disposal that contributes 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 glass from the panels, which is then crushed and melted for reuse, while aluminum frames are removed and melted for recycling. Remaining materials like copper, silver, and other metals are separated for further processing and reuse. This approach aligns with industry best practices for material recovery, similar to successful initiatives in countries like Italy, where up to 97% of materials are recovered.
Expansion Plans for Solar Panel Recycling Crete
Katheris also plans to expand its operations beyond Greece. By 2026, the company aims to launch additional facilities in mainland Greece and the islands, along with neighboring countries like Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Italy. This expansion will significantly enhance the company’s capacity to manage and recycle solar panels across the region.
Katheris is also developing a mobile unit to allow for the on-site recycling of solar panels. This innovation is especially important for remote areas where transporting panels to a central facility can be challenging. The mobile unit will enable more efficient recycling, reducing 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 collaborations 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. The country’s solar capacity has grown significantly, reporting the connection of 1.4 GW of new photovoltaic projects to the grid in 2022 alone, as outlined in the Greece Solar Panel Manufacturing Report. A dedicated recycling facility is a crucial step in ensuring this growth is sustainable.
Katheris’ investment in cutting-edge technology and its ambitious expansion plans underscore the company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. In providing a comprehensive solution for recycling solar panels, Katheris is helping to drive the transition toward a more sustainable and environmentally responsible energy sector.
