SolarPanelRecycling.com Wins 2025 Carolina Recycling Association Award

First-of-its-kind solar panel recycling technology recognized for innovation & impact

WILMINGTON, N.C., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SolarPanelRecycling.com (SPR), a leader in the sustainable energy industry and authority on solar recycling, was awarded the 2025 Carolina Recycling Association (CRA) Award for Innovation and Impact. The recognition was presented during the CRA's annual conference in Wilmington, North Carolina, where industry leaders gathered to highlight progress in waste reduction and recycling across the region.

SPR was honored for its pioneering solar panel recycling technology – the first of its kind in the Carolinas and one of the first in the country. Through its advanced, proprietary processes, SPR recovers clean, separated materials from end-of-life solar modules, enabling valuable commodities to re-enter domestic manufacturing supply chains.

The conference also featured SPR's CEO & Co-Founder Brett Henderson, who addressed a full house during Day One of the general session. His remarks focused on the urgent need for scalable, responsible solutions for solar panel recycling.

"In North Carolina alone, the solar industry has created more than 7,300 jobs, attracted $13.3 billion in investment, and installed over 9.6 GW—ranking us 4th in the country," Henderson said. "Yet our landfills—especially those serving the state's most populous areas—are projected to reach capacity in just ten years. The 2026 C&D landfill ban on PV modules shows North Carolina is thinking ahead, and SPR is dedicated to supporting that mission."

Henderson closed his remarks by highlighting the economic, technological, and supply chain opportunities created by true solar panel recycling. He also emphasized the need for policy leadership to scale these efforts nationwide, urging collaboration between industry, lawmakers, and recyclers to meet the moment.

The CRA Award highlights organizations whose work demonstrates leadership, innovation, and measurable impact in the recycling industry. Honorees are selected based on their success addressing current challenges, diverting waste streams, and applying new technologies to material recovery.

"SolarPanelRecycling.com stood out for technological innovation and advanced technology taking on one of our country's most complex waste streams," said Mary McClellan, Executive Director of the Carolina Recycling Association. "Their work exemplifies the kind of smart, forward-thinking leadership the recycling industry needs – not just here in the Carolinas, but nationwide."

Garrett Powell, Director of Sourcing & Client Services at SPR, accepted the award on behalf of the team and parent company PowerHouse Recycling. This recognition follows growing national attention for SPR's work, including a recent site visit from U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (NC).

About SolarPanelRecycling.com
SolarPanelRecycling.com is a North Carolina-based company specializing in the recycling and sustainable management of end-of-life solar panels. With a focus on environmental stewardship and technological innovation, SolarPanelRecycling.com offers comprehensive solutions for the disposal and repurposing of photovoltaic modules, contributing to the advancement of a circular economy in the renewable energy sector.

About the Carolina Recycling Association:
The Carolina Recycling Association (CRA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting recycling, waste reduction, and environmental sustainability across North and South Carolina. With more than 30 years of service, CRA supports efforts that improve environmental stewardship, foster industry collaboration, and encourage green practices throughout the region.

SOURCE SolarPanelRecycling.com