Qcells Expands Manufacturing Footprint with Launch of New Business Arm

Qcells, a global leader in solar manufacturing and energy solutions, has announced the launch of EcoRecycle by Qcells, marking its entry into the solar panel recycling space. This move makes Qcells the first solar company in the US to fully integrate both solar panel manufacturing and recycling within its operations.

The company’s new recycling vertical comes at a critical time as the first wave of solar installations in the US reaches the end of its lifecycle. The EcoRecycle facility, based in Cartersville, Georgia, is set to begin operations this year. Once fully operational, it will be capable of recycling up to 250 MW of solar panels annually, equivalent to about 500,000 panels. The facility will recover key materials such as aluminum, glass, silver, and copper, helping reduce solar waste and support a circular economy.

“With the solar industry entering a phase where decommissioned panels are becoming more common, the need for sustainable recycling solutions is more urgent than ever,” said Jung-Kwon Hong, Head of Qcells Manufacturing Group. “EcoRecycle will not only reduce our environmental footprint but also generate economic opportunities and strengthen the domestic supply chain," he added.

The initiative positions Qcells at the forefront of solar sustainability, offering a three-pronged strategy: cost-effective panel take-back services, proprietary high-purity resource extraction technology, and lower carbon emissions through recycled materials. By integrating recycling into its operations, Qcells aims to lead the way in creating a fully sustainable solar value chain.

The Cartersville-Bartow County Department of Economic Development welcomed the development. “We’re proud to see Qcells’ new business, EcoRecycle, becoming part of Georgia’s clean energy ecosystem,” said Executive Director Melinda Lemmon. “This is a major step in establishing Georgia as a hub for full-cycle solar solutions," he further noted.

Qcells also highlighted that current solar waste is often dumped in landfills due to a lack of clear recycling regulations. However, with rising state-level interest in mandatory recycling policies, the solar recycling sector is expected to grow rapidly.

Kelly Weger, Senior Director of Sustainability at Qcells, added, “We’re proud to be the first crystalline silicon (C-Si) solar panel producer in the US  to offer both manufacturing and recycling. Effective waste management is key to ensuring the solar sector’s long-term sustainability.”

The company has plans to expand its recycling network across the US to meet future demand and support the nation’s clean energy transition through scalable, responsible recycling practices.