Soren, the French state-approved organization responsible for managing end-of-life photovoltaic panels, says it has “reached a milestone” in its 2025 activity report. The year saw unprecedented growth in the French photovoltaic recycling sector, with 13,760 tonnes of panels collected, a 40% increase compared with 2024.

“These figures reflect the reality of a sector that is becoming more professional, organized, and mature,” said Nicolas Defrenne, CEO of the organization, which was established in 2015.

Working with recycling partners Envie 2E, Galloo, Rosi, RVE, and First Solar, Soren oversaw the processing of more than 12,736 tonnes of panels in 2025, achieving a recovery rate of more than 90%. Of this total, 10,684 tonnes were recycled, 1,298 tonnes underwent energy recovery, and 754 tonnes were sent for disposal.

180,000 tonnes of panels annually by 2040

Glass, aluminum, copper, and mineral fractions are among the materials returned to the circular economy through recycling. “At a time when demand for silver, silicon, or copper could increase four- to sixfold by 2040, photovoltaic panel recycling is no longer a niche issue; it is a strategic imperative for European industrial sovereignty,” Defrenne said.

“The volume of end-of-life panels will grow exponentially in the coming years, and we must prepare for this today,” the organization said. By 2040, nearly 180,000 tonnes of photovoltaic panels are expected to reach the end of their useful life annually in France.

In 2025, Soren had 600 member producers, whose eco-contributions generated just over €12 million ($13.8 million). The organization’s budget stood at €15.47 million, supplemented by revenue from the sale of recycled materials (€2.33 million) and financial income (€0.79 million).

Operational costs represented the largest expenditure category, at €7.35 million, including €2.69 million for collection and €4.66 million for processing. They were followed by allocations to provisions for future liabilities, which amounted to €5.41 million.

At the end of 2025, cash and provisions for future liabilities totaled €35.49 million.