“We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.” – Native American Proverb

Solar power is a great tool in the worldwide battle against climate change, but the environmental costs of solar panels are made long before they produce one watt. More and more attention is being directed at the whole of the photovoltaic (PV) module lifecycle- raw material extraction and manufacture, transportation and installation. Low-carbon PV modules are rising as the new generation of solar technology, manufacturing not only purely clean electricity but also reducing emissions at every phase of their production. As the world climbs the scale of ambition on climate goals and expects more openness, these innovations are essentially rewriting the definition of what it means for energy to be genuinely “clean.”

What Are Low-Carbon PV Modules?

Low-carbon PV modules are solar panels manufactured with processes and materials that result in reduced greenhouse gas emissions. This encompasses the entire production cycle, from raw material extraction to assembly. For instance, Trina Solar's Vertex N 720w series modules have achieved a carbon footprint as low as 400 kg CO₂/kW, thanks to sustainable practices and certifications like the Carbon Footprint of Products (CFP) Verification by UL Solutions.

Table 1 Lifecycle Carbon Emissions by Energy Source (g CO₂e per kWh)

The Role of Carbon Footprint Standards

To promote transparency and sustainability, international standards such as ISO 14067 have been established. These standards guide manufacturers in assessing and reporting the carbon footprints of their products. Such certifications not only validate a company's commitment to sustainability but also influence market dynamics, as seen in different modules being recognised for their low carbon emissions.

Consistent with the area's utilising carbon objectives, the overall solar market in Europe will more than likely flourish at a rate of 3-7% between 2025 and 2028, as per the EU Market Outlook for Solar Power (2024-2028).  But this pattern is not exclusive.  Strong policy support from China, India and Southeast Asia has also seen further growth in the Asia-Pacific region, which currently holds the largest global market share.

Whereas Latin America and the Middle East are firms in the mud of more rapid solar investments driven by energy diversity and economic development ambitions, North America is experiencing a setback, aided by the Inflation Reduction Act within the US.  Manufacturers across the globe are scrambling to put their green hats on, using low-emission techniques to stay competitive with carbon footprint rules becoming company-wide.

Why It Matters

Adopting low-carbon PV modules ensures that the environmental benefits of solar energy aren't offset by the emissions from their production. This holistic approach to sustainability is crucial for:

• Reducing Overall Emissions: Lowering the carbon footprint from production enhances the net positive impact of solar energy.
• Meeting Regulatory Requirements: With countries implementing stricter environmental standards, low-carbon modules help in compliance and eligibility for incentives.
• Enhancing Brand Image: Companies leading in sustainable practices position themselves favorably in a market increasingly driven by eco-conscious consumers.
  
  

Figure 1: Global Solar PV Module Market Share by Region (2025)

The Circular Side: End-of-Life Recycling

Another often-overlooked benefit of low-carbon PV modules is how they’re designed with circularity in mind. In a circular economy, products are created not just for use, but for reuse, recycling, and resource recovery at the end of their life. Many of today’s leading solar manufacturers are adopting this mindset to reduce waste and maximise material recovery from old panels.

Why Does Recycling Matter?
Although a solar panel is made to last 25 to 30 years, what happens when that time is up?  If millions of end-of-life panels do not pass with best-in-class recycling, they may be sent to the landfill, where they can have a devastating impact on the planet.  Recycling, besides being a waste disposal issue, also offers potential for sustainability.  According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), nearly $15 billion could be generated in value by 2050 if reused materials from recycled solar panels are used.  Low-carbon PV modules are made to be recycled, finishing the cycle, cutting landfill waste, reducing mining impacts and saving raw materials.  A "nice to have" is not enough for a solar business to be considered clean energy; circular design is required.

What Can Be Recycled from a Solar Panel?

Modern solar panels are designed to make recycling more efficient:

·       Glass (~75% of the panel’s weight):
Easily separated and recycled for use in new panels or other products like fiberglass insulation.

·       Aluminium frame (100% recyclable):
These can be quickly removed and reused with minimal processing.

·       Silicon (used in solar cells):
Can be purified and reused in new solar cells or other electronic applications.

·       Metals like Silver and Copper (80% recyclable):
Crucial for electrical conductivity, these metals can be extracted and reused, although the process is slightly more complex.

Figure 2 Solar Panel Recycling Rates by Component

Figure 2 shows the recyclability of different components of a solar panel. 75% of a panel is made up of glass, Glass is the easiest and most economically viable thing to recycle. Aluminium frames, on the other hand, are fully recyclable, silicon and conductive metals like copper and silver are recoverable and require more complex processes. The numbers show that most of a solar panel – over 90% – can be pretty much recycled with technology, the right kind of technology in place. These recovery results suggest the practicability of a closed-loop manufacturing process and highlight the requirements for a contingent of recycling infrastructure as the initial generation of panels nears the end of its service life.

Global Momentum for Recycling

Countries such as France and Germany have already established rules forcing solar manufacturers to return and recycle used panels. Meanwhile, in the United States, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has begun a PV recycling program, working with enterprises to establish a countrywide network of recyclers.

The Future of Circular Solar
By 2030, it’s estimated that end-of-life solar panels could generate 78 million metric tons of raw materials globally. That’s enough to build over 2 billion new panels if recycled efficiently, which helps in creating a closed-loop solar economy. Low-carbon PV modules that prioritize recyclability are leading the way toward this sustainable future, ensuring that solar energy is not only clean when used but also clean when it’s retired.

The Future of Solar is Low-Carbon

The global demand for solar energy has never been higher, and it will only increase. But, more crucially, the future of solar power is more than merely installing new panels. It's about installing better, cleaner, and more intelligent panels. This is where low-carbon PV modules come in.
As governments, corporations, and consumers increase pressure on the clean energy industry to provide clean power, manufacturers are transitioning towards low-emission methods in everything from material procurement to manufacturing and transportation. These efforts are paying off, transforming the solar sector.

Low-Carbon = Competitive Advantage

Companies creating low-carbon modules are no longer only doing it for the environment; they are doing it for business. It expands eligibility for government programs. It boosts ESG ratings for investors. It also corresponds with the public's growing desire for full-cycle sustainability.

The Big Picture

The next decade won’t just be about how much solar we install, but how responsibly we do it. Low-carbon solar panels are set to become the industry standard, not the exception. Those who lead in low-carbon innovation today will dominate the solar market of tomorrow.

Looking Ahead

As the demand for renewable energy grows, the emphasis on sustainable manufacturing will intensify. Companies investing in low-carbon production processes not only contribute to environmental conservation but also gain a competitive edge in the evolving market landscape.

Conclusion

The transition to renewable energy is not just about harnessing clean power but also about ensuring that every step, from production to consumption, aligns with sustainability goals. Low-carbon PV modules exemplify this commitment, paving the way for a greener future.