The Rise of Solar Panel Waste in Singapore — And How KGS Is Leading the Way in Automated Recycling

As Singapore continues its nationwide transition toward renewable energy, solar installations have rapidly increased across public housing, commercial buildings, and industrial rooftops. With this growth comes a new challenge: what happens to solar panels at the end of their lifespan?

According to 联合早报 (Zaobao), Singapore is seeing a growing demand for solar panel recycling, with more local recycling companies expanding into this area. Their full article, “废旧太阳能板处理需求上升 本地回收业者纷扩充业务”, can be found here:
https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/singapore/story20251117-7825281

Understanding the Solar Panel Waste Challenge

Solar panels typically last 20–25 years, and many of Singapore’s installations were deployed in the last decade. While current disposal volumes remain modest, experts anticipate a significant rise after 2030.

NEA has also highlighted that more than 200 licensed e-waste recyclers operate in Singapore today, with at least seven now capable of processing solar panels. This reflects both a rising waste stream and the nation’s push toward sustainable end-of-life management.

(Reference: NEA)

KGS: Singapore’s First Automated Solar Panel Recycling Operation

KGS, founded in 2016, was featured prominently in Zaobao’s report as the first recycler in Singapore to introduce automated solar panel recycling machinery.

Our automated line enables:

• ■Frame removal
• ■Panel crushing
• ■Material separation
• ■Recovery of silicon, glass shards, aluminium, and silver

This process allows renewable-energy waste to be safely converted into valuable raw materials, supporting Singapore’s circular-economy ambitions.

Learn more about KGS’s recycling services here:
https://www.kgs.com.sg/services

Why Automated Recycling Matters

Traditional solar panel dismantling is labour-intensive and dangerous, involving sharp glass fragments, heavy metals, and laminated layers. Automation provides:

• ■Higher materials recovery rates
• ■Better worker safety
• ■Faster processing speed
• ■Lower contamination
• ■Greater downstream value through cleaner extracted materials

With Singapore expecting approximately 3,500 tonnes of end-of-life solar panels in the next five years, scalable systems are essential.

(Source: Zaobao report)

The Future of Solar Panel Waste in Singapore

As solar adoption grows, Singapore will face a new sustainability milestone: managing renewable-energy waste responsibly. The circular recovery of silicon, aluminium, and glass is not only environmentally critical but economically strategic.

With no mandated recycling methodology from NEA, companies may innovate freely — giving early movers like KGS a strong head start in building national recycling capability.

KGS’s Commitment to a Cleaner, Circular Future

KGS continues to expand its battery, e-waste, and solar panel recycling capabilities to meet Singapore’s evolving sustainability needs. Our mission has remained the same since 2016: making recycling simple, secure, and accessible for everyone — from corporations to homeowners.

For corporate solar panel disposal, partnerships, or recycling enquiries:
https://www.kgs.com.sg/contact

Media Coverage

• ■联合早报 (Zaobao): https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/singapore/story20251117-7825281