Industrial-Grade Raw Materials

Silver, Silicon, Glass, Aluminum

At a Glance

SOLAR MATERIALS recovers silver, silicon, glass, aluminum, and copper from end-of-life solar modules — as pure material fractions of industrial quality, without chemical inputs.
Recovery rate: up to 99% via the patented thermomechanical process.
Available volume: up to 14,000 metric tons of module weight per year at the Magdeburg facility.
The materials are already being delivered to industrial partners in metal, glass, and silicon processing. SOLAR MATERIALS is continuously expanding its network of industrial buyers and evaluating new partnerships for individual material fractions.

Three Key Figures on Material Availability

Up to 99% Recovery Rate

Mechanical shredding processes predominantly produce material mixtures. SOLAR MATERIALS’ thermomechanical process separates frame, glass, film, and solar cell layer by layer. The result: defined material fractions for industrial processing.

14,000 Metric Tons Annual Capacity

The Magdeburg facility has been registered as an initial treatment facility under ElektroG since 2023. Facility and process are designed for industrial throughput volumes — not a pilot operation, but regular facility operations.

80 Million Metric Tons of PV Waste by 2050

The decommissioning wave is beginning. The first major module generations are reaching end of life. With every decommissioned installation, the availability of silver, silicon, aluminum, glass, and copper from the solar circular economy grows.

Which Industries Does SOLAR MATERIALS Supply?

Glass Industry and Packaging Manufacturers
Recovered solar glass is provided as pure recycled glass and can be used for packaging and container glass. It replaces primary raw materials, reduces energy demand in glass melting, and strengthens regional supply chains.

Aluminum Industry and Metal Processors
Aluminum frames from solar modules are recovered as a high-quality secondary material and can be fed directly into industrial smelting processes. Aluminum recycling requires up to 95% less energy than primary production.

Silver Refiners and Precious Metal Processors
Silver accounts for less than one percent of module weight, but represents the largest share of material value. SOLAR MATERIALS recovers silver for further refining and industrial use.

Semiconductor Industry and Silicon Processors
Silicon from end-of-life solar modules can be used as a feedstock for alloys, chemical applications, and further processing. For companies seeking to develop regional and circular sourcing, new supply opportunities are opening up.

The Next Raw Material Source for European Industry

Silver

Silver accounts for less than one percent of a solar module’s mass, yet represents the largest share of its material value. It is recovered for further refining and industrial use.

Copper

Copper is recovered as a separate material fraction and can be returned to existing value chains in the metals and electrical industries.

Silicon

A circular raw material source for the semiconductor and chemical industries. Recovered silicon serves as a feedstock for alloys, chemical applications, and further processing.

Glass

High-purity recycled glass in industrial-grade quality. The recovered solar glass is suitable for packaging and container glass production, replacing virgin raw materials while reducing energy consumption.

Glas

Sortenreines Recyclingglas in Industriequalität. Das rückgewonnene Solarglas eignet sich für Verpackungs- und Behälterglas und ersetzt Primärrohstoffe bei gleichzeitig geringerem Energiebedarf.

Why This Source Is Relevant Now

Modules from the first energy transition generation were installed in the 2000s and 2010s. Their service life is typically 20 to 30 years. The first major decommissioning waves are already underway, with more to follow in the coming years. In Germany alone, several hundred thousand metric tons of module material will reach end of life by 2030.

In parallel, industrial demand for critical raw materials is rising. The energy transition, electric mobility, and digitalization are increasing demand for silver, silicon, aluminum, and copper. Regulatory initiatives such as the EU Critical Raw Materials Act further strengthen the importance of regional and circular raw material sources.

SOLAR MATERIALS connects both and unlocks a new regional raw material source for industry.

Certified. Documented. Operational.

99%

Recovery Rate

High-value recovery of glass, aluminum, copper, silicon, and silver for further industrial processing.

14,000

Tons Annual Capacity

Industrially scalable material recovery from growing solar module volumes.

2023

certified

Documented material flows and traceable origin for compliance, ESG, and supply chain requirements.

80%

lower energy demand

Recycled materials require significantly less energy than primary raw materials and reduce the carbon footprint of industrial value chains.

From Raw Material Source to Deliverable Fraction

Intake of End-of-Life Solar Modules

End-of-life solar modules are recorded as material carriers, documented, and prepared for processing.

Thermomechanical Separation

The patented process breaks down material composites layer by layer, without chemical inputs.

Fraction Processing

Glass, aluminum, silver, silicon, copper, and plastics are separated and handled individually.

Quality Assurance

Each material fraction is inspected, documented, and specified for further industrial processing.

Delivery to Industrial Partners

The materials are delivered to buyers in metal, glass, and silicon processing.