Disused solar modules are taken back and recycled in Switzerland via SENS eRecycling – a collaboration that Swissolar agreed with SENS eRecycling back in 2013. The system is financed by an advance recycling fee that is levied when a module is purchased. The total amount of electronic waste processed by SENS eRecycling and Swico Recycling exceeded 140,000 tonnes for the first time in 2025. (As of: September 2026)
Key points in brief
- The responsible take-back and recycling centre for photovoltaic modules is SENS eRecycling, in collaboration with Swissolar since 2013.
- It is financed via an advance recycling fee, which is charged when the module is purchased.
- In 2025, SENS eRecycling and Swico Recycling together processed over 140,000 tonnes of electronic waste for the first time (+6% compared to the previous year).
- The processed quantity of photovoltaic modules has been increasing significantly since 2020.
Who takes back disused solar modules in Switzerland?
SENS eRecycling, one of the two major Swiss recycling organisations for electrical appliances, reached an agreement with Swissolar back in 2013 on the environmentally friendly take-back and disposal of disused PV modules. Anyone dismantling a solar system or replacing individual defective modules can have them disposed of professionally via the SENS eRecycling network.
How is recycling financed – and how much is processed?
The system is financed by an advance recycling fee, which is already levied when a new module is purchased – the take-back is usually free of charge for the person handing it in.
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Total amount of electronic waste (SENS + Swico, 2025) | over 140,000 tonnes (for the first time) | SENS eRecycling / Swico |
| Change compared to previous year | +6 % | SENS eRecycling / Swico |
| Trend for PV modules | increasing strongly since 2020 | SENS eRecycling |
As of: September 2026. The total amount refers to all electrical and electronic equipment processed, not just PV modules.
When dismantling old systems or replacing individual defective modules, we advise our customers of the take-back via SENS eRecycling – this is usually straightforward because the disposal costs have already been co-financed at the time of purchase.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay extra for the disposal of my old solar modules?
Not directly as a rule: The costs are already covered by the advance recycling fee when the module is purchased.
Is SENS eRecycling the only contact point for electronics recycling in Switzerland?
No, there is also Swico Recycling for other appliance categories. SENS eRecycling has been responsible for photovoltaic modules since 2013.
Are old solar modules actually recycled or just sent to landfill?
According to SENS eRecycling, the modules are fed into a recycling process, not simply landfilled.
Is the amount of modules to be recycled continuing to increase?
Yes, according to SENS eRecycling, the trend has been clearly upwards since 2020.
Dismantling the system or replacing modules?
We take care of the professional dismantling and registration for take-back via SENS eRecycling.
Sources: SENS eRecycling (erecycling.ch), Swico, joint technical report SENS/Swico 2025.
Last updated: 18 September 2026 · Contact for questions on methodology: ecoEn editorial team
