SOLARCYCLE, a leading solar recycling company, has announced a groundbreaking investment of $344 million in a state-of-the-art solar glass manufacturing facility in Cedartown, Georgia. This facility, the first of its kind in the United States, will utilize recycled materials from retired solar panels to produce new solar glass, marking a significant leap in sustainable energy practices.
Scheduled to commence construction in 2024 and anticipated to be operational by 2026, the facility will be situated in the Cedartown North Business Park, a Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development (GRAD) certified site. This move underscores SOLARCYCLE's commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship, positioning Georgia as a leader in the renewable energy sector.
With two existing solar panel recycling facilities in the U.S., SOLARCYCLE boasts cutting-edge technology capable of extracting up to 95% of the value from used solar panels. The forthcoming plant in Georgia will not only continue this legacy but also establish SOLARCYCLE as a pioneer in manufacturing specialized glass for crystalline-silicon (c-Si) photovoltaics, with an annual capacity of 5 to 6 GW.
Governor Brian Kemp praised the investment, recognizing its transformative impact on the Polk County community and the broader state economy. He emphasized Georgia's dedication to securing a robust energy mix and fostering innovative projects like SOLARCYCLE's facility. This initiative aligns with projections indicating a substantial increase in demand for solar recycling in the coming decades, highlighting the urgency and importance of sustainable practices in the renewable energy industry.
Source: renewableenergyworld.com