A 500 kg/h solar panel recycling line sits in a “commercial-scale” range: large enough to process steady intake from installers, decommissioned solar farms, or collection programs, but still compact compared with multi-ton industrial plants. When buyers ask about price, the most important detail is what the quote actually includes—because two suppliers can advertise similar capacity while offering very different levels of automation, separation efficiency, and environmental controls.
Core Equipment Typically Included in a 500kg/h Line
Most 500 kg/h configurations start with loading and pre-processing, such as a feed conveyor and a unit for removing junction boxes and aluminum frames (sometimes manual stations, sometimes semi-automatic). Next is size reduction, usually a shredder or crusher designed to handle laminated panel stacks without frequent jams. After shredding, a screening module separates output into controlled particle sizes so downstream sorting is more consistent. You’ll then typically see air separation (to remove light fractions like backsheet films) and magnetic separation (to capture steel contaminants). Many lines also include dust collection systems as standard, since glass and polymer fines can be significant at this throughput.
Separation Stages That Change the Price Most
The biggest cost swing usually comes from how the line treats the laminated structure—glass, EVA encapsulant, silicon cells, and backsheet. Some 500 kg/h lines focus on mechanical separation only, producing mixed “cell fraction” and relatively clean glass. Higher-priced systems add advanced sorting such as eddy current separators (for non-ferrous metals), optical sorting, or enhanced airflow classification to boost glass purity. If a supplier includes steps aimed at higher recovery of silver and copper, the line may incorporate additional milling, classification, and dedicated collection bins, which raises cost but can improve revenue per ton.
Utilities, Controls, and Environmental Compliance
A complete quote should specify installed motor power, expected electricity consumption per ton, and whether the line includes a PLC control cabinet, safety interlocks, and emergency stop circuits across all modules. Environmental items matter too: dust collectors with proper filter media, sealed transfer points, and noise reduction enclosures can be the difference between a “works in a warehouse” line and one that meets stricter local regulations. For some regions, buyers also request options for handling polymer fractions and preventing fugitive dust during bagging.
What’s Often Not Included (But Impacts Total Budget)
Many “machine price” offers exclude installation and commissioning, operator training, spare wear parts (blades, screens, belts), and civil works such as foundations, electrical cabling, and forklifts or loaders. Packaging, shipping, customs duties, and local certification can also add meaningful cost. To compare suppliers fairly, ask for a line-item list: capacity assumptions (panel size and composition), target purity levels for glass and metals, and a guaranteed performance range.
Comparing Quotes: The Fast Checklist
When comparing 500 kg/h proposals, match: (1) separation stages and expected purity, (2) dust/noise controls, (3) automation level and labor required, and (4) included services—layout drawing, commissioning, and spare parts. In solar panel recycling, the cheapest line often becomes expensive if it produces low-purity glass or mixed fractions that buyers discount. A well-specified package is usually the best “price,” because it protects both recovery value and uptime. Visiting: https://www.solutionsforewaste.com/product/solar-panel-recycling-plant-cost/
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