Millions of decommissioned solar panels contain valuable materials like silicon, copper, and silver. Recycling them so far has focused mainly on reclaiming the glass and aluminum they’re made with, but key materials are lost. New methods to recover silicon from panels as well are able to dismantle modules using light pulses, saving energy and CO2. Wind turbine blades are also being repurposed into durable construction materials. The goal is a true circular economy.