Solar · Advice
What happens to solar panels and batteries at the end of their life?
Short answer
Solar panels have been covered by UK electrical-waste (WEEE) rules since 2014, so producers must finance collection and recycling of household panels; you may still pay for removal from the roof. Panels must go to a licensed treatment facility, not a skip. Batteries fall under separate battery-waste rules and need specialist handling.
Last checked 24 September 2026 · 1 source
In more detail
- WEEE Regulations 2013 (SI 2013/3113) brought PV panels into scope from 1 January 2014 (secondary sources).
- Glass, aluminium frame and copper are recoverable; silver and silicon recovery is improving.
- Lithium batteries: return via installer/manufacturer scheme; never household bins.
The facts, dated
- 01PV panels in scope of UK WEEE from 2014 — 2014
regulation · UK · checked 24 September 2026 · legislation.gov.uk
Sources
- legislation.gov.uk — www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2013/3113/contents
Last checked: 24 September 2026