Ecoprogetti Launches Automated Industrial Solar Module Recycling Line
New Italian facility processes 120 solar panels hourly to recover high-purity materials.
1Industrial Scale Recycling Deployment
Italian manufacturer Ecoprogetti has successfully deployed a fully automated industrial line for recycling end-of-life photovoltaic modules. Operated by Haiki+ Group in Sale, Italy, the facility has been functional since early 2025. This installation marks a significant shift toward large-scale circular economy practices within the European renewable energy sector's waste management infrastructure.
2High Capacity Processing Metrics
The system demonstrates impressive throughput, capable of processing 120 solar panels per hour, which equates to approximately four tonnes of material. Operating with a 94% uptime, the line holds a nominal annual potential of 700,000 tonnes. These figures highlight the facility's ability to maintain continuous industrial operations for high-volume waste treatment.
3Advanced Material Separation Technology
Ecoprogetti utilizes a patented air-based glass removal system combined with an electromechanical process to separate components. The automated sequence includes panel recognition, junction box removal, and precise material shredding. By isolating these stages, the technology minimizes cross-contamination, ensuring that recovered materials maintain high quality standards for future industrial manufacturing reuse.
4Material Recovery Conversion Rates
The recycling process achieves exceptional recovery rates, reaching 100% for aluminum and junction boxes. Copper, glass, and plastic components are recovered at 99% efficiency, while silicon reaches 95%. Purity levels remain remarkably high, with aluminum and junction boxes at 100%, glass at 99%, copper and silicon at 98%, and plastic at 88%.
5Versatile Module Compatibility
The equipment handles diverse panel types, including mono and polycrystalline, bifacial, and double-glass modules. It effectively processes damaged units, such as those with cracked glass, corrosion, delamination, or fire damage. Ecoprogetti claims this is the only market solution capable of processing both conventional and double-glass modules without requiring additional machinery or investment.
6Operational Efficiency and Innovation
Managing Director Marco Manfron emphasized that the technology represents a tangible leap forward in photovoltaic recycling. By prioritizing industrial principles like high capacity and automation, the system significantly reduces machine downtime. This approach improves the quality of recovered fractions, proving that large-scale recycling can be both economically viable and operationally continuous.
7Broader Global Supply Chain
Beyond this recycling initiative, Ecoprogetti continues to expand its global footprint in the solar supply chain. The company recently upgraded a manufacturing line in South Africa during August. Furthermore, they are actively establishing production capabilities in the Middle East, including Iraq’s first solar module production line and previous projects located in Oman.
8Future of Solar Sustainability
As the global solar market matures, the ability to manage end-of-life modules becomes critical for long-term sustainability. Ecoprogetti’s automated solution provides a blueprint for handling the inevitable surge in decommissioned panels. Future industry growth will likely depend on such integrated technologies to ensure that valuable raw materials are successfully reclaimed.