AGC Inc. has started the practical application of the hybridmethod recycling for sheet glass of PV module cover glass.

This has led to the establishment of a new horizontal recycling system for PV module cover glass, in addition to the themal processing method that is already in practical use.

Cullet (recycled glass) for sheet glass production must meet strict quality requirements. Until now, thermal processing was the only proven method for separating PV cover glass, as other approaches—such as the heated knife method—faced challenges with residual adhesive materials remaining on the glass surface. By combining the heated knife method with HAMADA’s high-pressure water jet technology, it has now become possible to completely remove residual adhesive components. As a result, it has been confirmed that the refined cullet produced meets the quality standards required for use as raw material in sheet glass production.

Given that solar panels have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years, it is projected that by the late 2030s, several hundred thousand tons of waste panels will be generated annually in Japan.

In April 2025, AGC utilized approximately 10 tons of the refined cullet as part of the raw materials for producing patterned sheet glass for architectural use at its Yokohama Technical Center. AGC will continue to promote the recycling of solar panel cover glass into sheet glass and aims to establish a system capable of processing several thousand tons annually by 2030, contributing to a more sustainable solar industry and a circular economy.