Top 10 Companies in the Europe Solar Panel Recycling Industry (2025): Market Leaders Powering Circular Energy Solutions

In Business Insights
June 09, 2025

The Europe Solar Panel Recycling Market was valued at US$ 125.4 million in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 285.6 million by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 14.7% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This growth is being driven by Europe’s expanding solar capacity, stringent WEEE Directive compliance requirements, and technological advancements in photovoltaic material recovery.

As Europe transitions toward circular economy models in renewable energy infrastructure, the solar panel recycling sector has become strategically vital. In this analysis, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Europe Solar Panel Recycling Industry—pioneers establishing benchmarks in sustainable lifecycle management for photovoltaic systems.


🔟 1. Veolia Environnement S.A.

Headquarters: Paris, France
Key Offering: Full-spectrum PV panel recycling solutions

Veolia operates Europe’s first dedicated solar recycling plant in Rousset, France, processing 4,000+ tons annually using proprietary technology achieving 95% material recovery rates from end-of-life panels.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Circular economy model integration across value chain

  • Strategic partnerships with major solar manufacturers

  • 50% reduction target in recycling carbon footprint by 2030

Download FREE Sample Report: Europe Solar Panel Recycling Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 2. PV Cycle

Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium
Key Offering: Compliance-focused collection networks

Europe’s leading PV waste scheme has recycled 45,000+ tons since 2010, managing take-back programs across 14 countries with 98% EU population coverage.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Industry-first recycling standards development

  • Integrated reporting for WEEE Directive compliance


8️⃣ 3. Stena Recycling International AB

Headquarters: Gothenburg, Sweden
Key Offering: High-efficiency mechanical recycling

Stena’s specialized facilities in Sweden and Germany process 8,000+ tons annually through advanced mechanical separation for optimal material purity and recovery.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • 90% recovery rate for silicon-based panels

  • Innovations in silver and silicon extraction


7️⃣ 4. First Solar

Headquarters: Tempe, Arizona, USA (European hub in Germany)
Key Offering: Thin-film recycling leadership

First Solar operates Europe’s largest thin-film recycling facility in Frankfurt, recovering 90% of panel materials including 95% of semiconductor compounds.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Closed-loop semiconductor recovery system

  • Global take-back program infrastructure

Download FREE Sample Report: Europe Solar Panel Recycling Market – View in Detailed Research Report


6️⃣ 5. Reiling GmbH & Co. KG

Headquarters: Hörstel, Germany
Key Offering: Specialized solar glass recycling

Germany’s premier solar glass recycler processes 60,000+ tons annually, supplying high-purity cullet to European glass manufacturers.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Patented low-emission crushing processes

  • OEM partnerships for panel pre-treatment


5️⃣ 6. Enviro-Hub Holdings Ltd.

Headquarters: London, UK
Key Offering: Comprehensive UK recycling services

Enviro-Hub provides full-cycle solutions for both silicon and thin-film panels across the British market with specialized hazardous waste handling.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Zero-landfill material processing

  • Active participation in UK solar initiatives


4️⃣ 7. TotalEnergies

Headquarters: Paris, France
Key Offering: Utility-scale recycling solutions

Through SunPower, TotalEnergies has developed tailored recycling protocols for large solar installations across European markets.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Lifecycle partnerships with solar farm operators

  • Automated disassembly R&D projects


3️⃣ 8. SMA Solar Technology AG

Headquarters: Niestetal, Germany
Key Offering: Technical recycling and inverter recovery

SMA combines panel processing with specialized inverter component recycling, addressing complete PV system end-of-life needs.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • 90% inverter material recovery rates

  • Advanced robotic panel processing R&D


2️⃣ 9. REC Solar

Headquarters: Singapore (European hub in Norway)
Key Offering: High-purity silicon recovery

REC’s European program recovers ultra-pure silicon using water-free cleaning technology for reuse in new photovoltaic products.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Closed-loop silicon purification systems

  • Sustainable material handling protocols


1️⃣ 10. SolarWorld AG

Headquarters: Bonn, Germany
Key Offering: Integrated refurbishment and recycling

SolarWorld’s facilities combine panel refurbishment with material recovery, extending product lifecycles before final processing.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • 15% panel refurbishment rate

  • Carbon-neutral recycling operations

Get Full Report Here: Europe Solar Panel Recycling Market – View in Detailed Research Report


♻️ Outlook: Evolution of Solar Panel Recycling in Europe

The European recycling sector anticipates processing 150,000+ tons of panel waste annually by 2030 as installed capacity matures, driving infrastructure expansion and technological innovation.

📈 Key Developments Shaping the Market:

  • Collection network expansion to meet WEEE targets

  • Breakthroughs in automated disassembly robotics

  • High-value material recovery stream optimization

  • Enhanced producer responsibility programs

Get Full Report Here: Europe Solar Panel Recycling Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The profiled companies are building the sustainability infrastructure critical for Europe’s renewable energy future through material recovery innovation.