We're about to install 19 billion solar panels in the next 20 years, but what happens when they reach end-of-life?

In this eye-opening episode of The Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague sits down with Adam Saghei, CEO and founder of We Recycle Solar, to tackle one of the clean energy industry's most pressing challenges: solar panel waste management.

What You'll Discover:

• Why 90% of end-of-life solar panels currently end up in landfills (and how we can change this)
• The staggering value locked in old panels: $170 million today, projected to reach $80 billion by 2050
• How We Recycle Solar achieves 60% refurbishment rates on incoming panels
• The technical process of extracting valuable materials like silver, aluminum, and silicon
• Why companies like First Solar and Q Cells are building in-house recycling facilities
• New state regulations in Texas, Washington, and California driving industry change
• The economics that make solar recycling profitable while competing with landfill costs

Adam breaks down the three main sources of solar waste: environmental damage, technology upgrades, and installation breakage. He explains how proper decommissioning and material recovery can transform what many see as a looming e-waste crisis into a valuable circular economy opportunity.

Whether you're a solar installer, project developer, or simply interested in sustainable technology, this episode provides crucial insights into an industry that's rapidly evolving to solve its own waste problem.

Key Takeaways:

• Solar panels retain 90% efficiency after 20 years, making refurbishment highly viable
• Proper recycling can recover critical materials for domestic supply chains
• Industry needs federal policy to accelerate adoption beyond current 5+ year timeline
• Local recycling creates jobs and reduces transportation costs for raw materials

Don't miss this essential conversation about building a truly sustainable solar industry from cradle to grave.

Connect with Adam Saghei:

• LinkedIn: Adam Saghei
• Website: werecyclesolar.com

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Connect with Tim

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Email tim@cleanpowerhour.com

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The Clean Power Hour is produced by the Clean Power Consulting Group and created by Tim Montague. Contact us by email: CleanPowerHour@gmail.com

Corporate sponsors who share our mission to speed the energy transition are invited to check out https://www.cleanpowerhour.com/support/

The Clean Power Hour is brought to you by CPS America, maker of North America’s number one 3-phase string inverter, with over 6GW shipped in the US. With a focus on commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage, the company partners with customers to provide unparalleled performance and service. The CPS America product lineup includes 3-phase string inverters from 25kW to 275kW, exceptional data communication and controls, and energy storage solutions designed for seamless integration with CPS America systems. Learn more at www.chintpowersystems.com

On our recent Clean Power Hour Live, Tim Montague and John Weaver tackle the complex implications of the recently passed "BBB bill" and its mixed impact on the solar industry. The hosts dive deep into the economic pressures facing the industry and much more.

Episode Highlights

• BBB Bill Impact on Solar Industry - Discussion of the "big, beautiful bill" and its mixed effects on renewable energy sectors (Story Link)
• US Copper Prices 138% Above Global - Domestic copper now costs more than double international prices (Story Link)
• Electricity Price Predictions - Experts anticipate rising energy costs for consumers due to trade policies (Story Link)
• California Becomes Solar State - Solar officially surpasses natural gas as #1 electricity source (33.9% vs 33.3%) (Story Link)
• US Solar Crosses 10% Threshold - Solar exceeded 10% of US electricity generation for first time in April 2025 (Story Link)
• Tesla Megapack Installation - John's company deploys first utility-scale battery on Massachusetts military base (Story Link)
• Clean Power Hour Merchandise - New construction safety gear added to online store (Buy Now)

Upcoming Events

• Vertical Solar Webinar - July 15, 2025 at 12pm Eastern
  • Featuring Helga Biernath (Sunzaun), Ian Skor (Sandbox Solar), Professor Majdi (UC Davis), John Langdon (Solar Saves Farms)
  • Registration: cleanpowerhour.com/events

Contact Information

John Weaver: commercialsolarguy.com | info@commercialsolarguy.com | 508-499-9786

Support the show

Connect with Tim

Clean Power Hour
Clean Power Hour on YouTube
Tim on Twitter
Tim on LinkedIn

Email tim@cleanpowerhour.com

Review Clean Power Hour on Apple Podcasts

The Clean Power Hour is produced by the Clean Power Consulting Group and created by Tim Montague. Contact us by email: CleanPowerHour@gmail.com

Corporate sponsors who share our mission to speed the energy transition are invited to check out https://www.cleanpowerhour.com/support/

The Clean Power Hour is brought to you by CPS America, maker of North America’s number one 3-phase string inverter, with over 6GW shipped in the US. With a focus on commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage, the company partners with customers to provide unparalleled performance and service. The CPS America product lineup includes 3-phase string inverters from 25kW to 275kW, exceptional data communication and controls, and energy storage solutions designed for seamless integration with CPS America systems. Learn more at www.chintpowersystems.com

The solar industry faces its biggest challenge yet - will it survive the gutting of the Inflation Reduction Act?

Tim Montague sits down with Marc Palmer, founder and CEO of Conductor Solar, to discuss the current state of solar financing and how the industry is changing in light of threats facing our industry.

In this episode, you'll discover how the "Big Beautiful Bill" could shrink the solar market by 46% between now and 2030, and why industry leaders are shifting to survival mode. Marc shares exclusive insights from his conversations with top developers, IPPs, and financing providers at the Expo, revealing how they're adapting their strategies in these uncertain times.

Key Topics Covered:

• The potential $2.4-5 trillion impact of budget reconciliation on national debt
• How solar companies are focusing on quality over quantity to weather the storm
• Midwest Solar Expo takeaways and industry sentiment
• State incentives becoming critical as federal support wanes
• The AI-driven energy demand boom creating a "Clash of Titans"
• Dean Solon's revolutionary Create solar technology with 3,000-volt modules
• ITC transfers and M&A opportunities in the middle market
• Why energy independence arguments may save solar despite political headwinds

Marc provides a rare insider's perspective on how financing providers are adding conservatism to their pricing, why developers are rushing to safe harbor projects, and what the consolidation wave means for smaller players in the market.

Whether you're a solar developer, installer, investor, or policy maker, this episode delivers the real-world intelligence you need to navigate these turbulent times. Don't miss Marc Palmer’s predictions on why solar can emerge stronger after a likely contraction that is starting now.

🔗 Connect with Marc Palmer:

• Conductor Solar: [website]
• Email: marc@conductorsolar.com
• LinkedIn: Marc Palmer

Support the show

Connect with Tim

Clean Power Hour
Clean Power Hour on YouTube
Tim on Twitter
Tim on LinkedIn

Email tim@cleanpowerhour.com

Review Clean Power Hour on Apple Podcasts

The Clean Power Hour is produced by the Clean Power Consulting Group and created by Tim Montague. Contact us by email: CleanPowerHour@gmail.com

Corporate sponsors who share our mission to speed the energy transition are invited to check out https://www.cleanpowerhour.com/support/

The Clean Power Hour is brought to you by CPS America, maker of North America’s number one 3-phase string inverter, with over 6GW shipped in the US. With a focus on commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage, the company partners with customers to provide unparalleled performance and service. The CPS America product lineup includes 3-phase string inverters from 25kW to 275kW, exceptional data communication and controls, and energy storage solutions designed for seamless integration with CPS America systems. Learn more at www.chintpowersystems.com