The rapid growth of solar energy and battery storage systems is transforming energy systems across Latin America and the Caribbean. However, this expansion also creates an emerging challenge: how to manage equipment sustainably when it reaches the end of its useful life.
Photovoltaic panels and batteries contain materials with significant potential for recovery and reuse, but they also include components that require appropriate collection, treatment, and disposal processes. The development of efficient recycling chains can reduce environmental impacts, decrease dependence on imported raw materials, create new economic activities, and strengthen the circular economy in the energy sector.
The panel will examine the main regulatory, technological, logistical, and financial challenges associated with managing end-of-life solar panels and batteries. It will also provide an opportunity to share experiences, extended producer responsibility models, second-life solutions, and opportunities to develop regional industrial capabilities.
The discussion will seek to identify the conditions required to support the energy transition through responsible technology management and to move toward a more sustainable, circular, and resilient sector.
