• Rafiqui, a circular economy and recycling project, will initially process up to 1,000 tons of solar panels that have reached the end of their useful life.
  • Their actions will be non-profit and will help recover materials and minimize environmental impact.
  • The initiative was born from a group of participating companies in the solar sector that reaffirms their commitment to the environment and sustainable development.
  • The plant will have a strategic location and will create employment opportunities; in a second stage, it will expand its presence in other parts of the country and include lithium battery recycling.

 

solar panels

Mexico City, September 12, 2024 –In response to the rapid adoption of solar energy in Mexico, a group of companies in the sector founded Rafiqui, the first recycler of solar panels whose useful life has come to an end and which have materials that can be recovered and thus minimize their environmental impact.

Rafiqui is a non-profit circular economy and recycling project that will initially process up to 1,000 tons of solar panels that have already completed their cycle per year.

Ximena Cantú, ESG Officer at Energía Real and director of Rafiqui, said: “Rafiqui’s mission is to address a problem arising mainly from the first generation of panels that are no longer available, that cannot be replaced, or that come from informal installation companies that did not provide adequate guarantees or carry out installations according to standards, which makes the entire system unusable and in need of updating.”

In a report published in 2016, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimated that early panel loss (before 25 years) accounts for 7% of panel replacements or retirements worldwide and that in Mexico alone, by 2030 there will be 30,000 tons of panels retired due to early loss and 6,500 tons that will end their life cycle naturally. Globally recovered materials from solar panels are estimated to be worth around US$450 million by 2030 – equivalent to the materials needed to produce 60 million new solar panels.

Santiago Villagómez, CEO of Energía Real, member of the Rafiqui Board and main driving force behind the Association, said: “Rafiqui is just the beginning of a necessary change in the Mexican energy industry. This initiative demonstrates what is possible when companies come together for a common purpose.”

Non-profit project

Among its objectives as a civil association, Rafiqui also intends to donate solar panels that maintain a certain level of efficiency to vulnerable communities and thus expand access to clean energy to more people, supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) set out in the United Nations Compact.

Rafiqui calls on the energy sector to collaborate in this initiative, with the objectives of significantly reducing the carbon footprint and helping communities, in order to consolidate the success of the project.

“To generate an even greater impact, we need more companies to join this effort and to spread the message about the responsibility of recycling solar panels correctly in Mexico. Together we can accelerate the transition to a circular economy, reduce our environmental footprint, and bring clean energy to those who need it most. Collaboration and solidarity are key to building a sustainable and equal future,” added Isabel Studer, President of Global Sustainability and independent member of the Rafiqui Board.

Among the members, companies from the sector have already joined, such as Beetmann, Bright, Corporativo Soles, Energía Real, Engie, ForeFront Power, Greening, Grupo Apolo Solar, Longi, Quartux, Skysense, Solarfuel, Solfium, Tigapower, Top Energy among others. Rafiqui has among its founding partners representation of key players in the sector such as the companies Energía Real, Beetmann, Corporativo Soles, Skysense, Solarfuel, Bright, Apollo Solar, Quartux, Engie, Canadian Solar, Powen, ForeFront Power, RER, and Corey Solar among other strategic allies such as the Renewable Energy Agency of Nuevo León, the British Embassy, ??Greenback, a key company due to its experience in the recycling sector, and the participation of JLL due to its presence in the real estate sector and its focus on sustainability issues. Around 15 million pesos will be raised to launch the circular economy project.

In terms of governance, professionals who will bring valuable experience in circular economy, sustainability, and recycling will join Rafiqui’s board of directors as independent members. Their knowledge and leadership will strengthen the mission of promoting more sustainable and effective practices, ensuring that Rafiqui not only meets its environmental goals but also drives innovation in the industry.

Eduardo Sánchez, director of the Renewable Energy Agency of Nuevo León, said: “By promoting the reuse of solar panels, the use of materials and the reduction of waste, companies not only support the transition towards a greener economy, but also lay the foundations for the development of new technologies and sustainable business models in our country.”

Second Phase of Rafiqui : Lithium Recycling

In the context of the transition towards a more sustainable energy system, lithium recycling has become a priority for the energy sector. This process allows valuable materials to be recovered from batteries used in energy storage systems, thus contributing to waste reduction and the conservation of natural resources. Companies that adopt lithium recycling practices are leading the way towards a circular economy, driving innovation and promoting a cleaner, more energy-efficient future.

“With Rafiqui, we are taking a key step towards a circular economy in the solar sector. We have to start today, before the problem grows, because while we move towards cleaner energies, we must also prepare to manage the resulting waste. Recycling solar panels is essential to make the solar sector even more sustainable and collaboration is necessary to move forward. The time to act is now, and every effort counts” concluded Ximena Cantú, director of Rafiqui.

About Rafiqui

For more information about Rafiqui’s solar panel recycling plant, please visit our website or contact our team at www.rafiqui.ac

Press Contact

Jessica Soriano

Jessica.soriano@carralsierra.com