The solar industry is no spring chicken, but the recent boom and ongoing rapid growth begs an important question: How do I recycle used or broken solar panels? Even though solar power is a renewable energy source, there are some environmentally hazardous materials that go into their production. They are hazardous enough to warrant some sort of recycling plan.

So...is recycling solar panels dangerous? Not nearly as dangerous as dropping them off at the local landfill. It's also not as simple as a trip to the local recycling center to throw old panels in a bin marked "glass" or "aluminum." Recycling of solar cells requires a careful process, for two main reasons. One: like anything else you recycle, the proper dismantling of used modules ensures that as much as possible of the material is reused in new panels or some other application. Two: many semiconductor materials, especially cadmium telluride (CdTe), are quite harmful to the environment and desperately need recycling.

Luckily, the solar industry regulates itself (there are currently no legal ramifications for companies that may dump old modules inappropriately) in this regard. As an example, check out First Solar's progressive recycling plan. Most manufacturers will receive and process used or broken solar panels at their own expense. So there's really no reason to throw out old panels. There are also resources across the Internet with relevant recycling information.

Why should First Solar and other solar companies care? Well, they are part of a green industry. It is an industry that depends on building and maintaining its reputation as the premier source of clean, renewable energy. A landfill stack of harmful, slowly degrading solar cells does not work toward such an end. Thankfully, solar is inherently an environmentally conscious industry.

Furthermore, the need for comprehensive, easily accessible recycling programs will become even more vital as today's solar systems need upgrading over the next 30 to 40 years. It is important for the industry to get a head start on recycling logistics while the volume of discarded panels is still relatively low. So kudos to First Solar and other companies that are taking the first steps now, and no less than at their own expense.