Solar Regulation: Benefits of Incentivizing End-Of-Life Practices

Several states recently brought solar panel regulations up for legislation, as some lawmakers are finally recognizing the mounting solar waste issue. About 80 million tons of solar waste could be at our doorstep by 2050, and that’s not something the world can address at the last possible minute. Improvements to the recycling process must be made, incentives for end-of-life planning must be given, and laws regarding solar panel production and decommissioning must be addressed if we want solar energy to be a true boon for the environment.

Solar Regulation Providing Benefits

Though solar regulations sound concerning, it actually benefits customers, the environment, and the industry as a whole. For instance, Nevada displayed a case for laws and regulations being incredibly profitable. In 2015, net metering and other customer incentives were phased out of practice due to complaints from the electric industry and panel installers. This had a drastic effect on panel installation for two years, as people weren’t saving nearly as much money from switching to solar energy. This downward trend in panels continued until a bill was signed in 2017. This bill reintroduced net metering, with some restrictions, back into the industry, and immediately spiked panel installation and job growth across the state. A win-win for everyone involved!

The regulations regarding solar waste will be similarly beneficial, as they will provide potential growth in the industry. Despite being described as solar “waste,” the material and metals available from decommissioned panels are quite valuable. Researchers estimate the market worth of the building waste being over 10 billion dollars; however, these numbers are only feasible with enhanced recycling techniques, and efficient decommissioning becoming far more commonplace across the world.

Solar Waste Regulations in Action

Several of the regulations currently being written and considered will improve the solar industry’s standards and practices and prevent the escalation of solar waste now and into the future. It also incentivizes recycling and end-of-life practices to be optimized, which means less trash and more panels available for cheaper amounts. Regulations have been difficult to implement due to a lack of concern, but some states have been working to change this over the years.

For example, California is one of the leading states in solar energy production, behind a third of all solar energy production in the United States. This means panels are plentiful across the state, and solar waste could be an issue soon. To help panel owners considering end-of-life, California reclassified solar panels as “universal waste” to make transportation to recycling centers a much more viable option. This is because as “toxic waste,” its previous classification, it was much more expensive to ship. This is a good start, as it helps companies searching for environmental-friendly solutions to damaged, decommissioned, or end-of-life panels. This isn’t a full solution though, as further transportation of materials won’t directly affect the industry standards.

North Carolina took a different approach to prevent solar waste from being mishandled. A bill was implemented banning PV panels from being dumped into landfills and making proper standards to the decommissioning process an industry necessity. Preventing solar panels from landfill dumping is a top priority, and the outright ban is a strong step to boosting recycling efforts in the state. Efficient solar disposal practices being enforced will also boost recycling efforts and encourage more companies to consider end-of-life options a lot sooner. With both regulations combined, the choice to recycle becomes the obvious solution, and recycling centers will continue to grow in response.

Solar Regulations to Come

Some regulations are still being considered or have some time before the implementations go into full effect. Most recently, Washington just passed legislation making the manufacturers the ones responsible for recycling their solar panels. All panels manufactured and sold by them must go through proper end-of-life protocols at their expense and benefit. These companies may now have the motivation to improve their manufacturing processes. Designing modern panels to be more easily recyclable will also become a focus, a fantastic example of end-of-life preparation. These practices will be implemented as the years progress, but in Washington state, there is a 2023 deadline.

Arizona is a prime state for solar energy, but by that same token, solar waste could be a growing concern as solar panels spread across the state. To prepare for this, legislation is being written to mitigate the rising number of solar panels at their end-of-life. The bill will ban the dumping of solar panels and batteries into landfills, and charge manufacturers if they don’t have an end-of-life plan in place for their panels. It cannot be stressed enough how much waste will be prevented with regulations addressing a manufacturer’s responsibility for their panel’s end-of-life and landfill bans. This also lifts the pressure from the customer, inviting more people to accept solar energy into their homes and businesses.

What You Can Do

Despite the various improvements being made from state to state, solar waste is still a mounting problem. Solar energy continues to spread across America, but we are not yet prepared for the consequences. That’s not to say rising numbers in solar energy production is a bad thing, as solar energy is incredibly beneficial for companies and homeowners alike and should be implemented as often as possible. However, end-of-life practices are also necessary to make solar energy as beneficial as possible, for customers and the environment alike.

Luckily, implementing end-of-life plans has never been more accessible. Companies such as FabTech Solar Solutions specialize in recycling and refurbishing practices for solar projects, big and small. By preparing now, your company can be a leader in the industry, by participating in the solution and not adding to the problem of solar panel waste. Helping environmental and solar industry growth depends on how companies treat a panel’s end-of-life. The more we do now, the less waste we must worry about in the future, and the more solar energy we can produce.

If you’re wondering about what options and costs might be in your solar panel’s foreseeable future, FabTech provides free quotes. Email us at jfreeman@fabtech.net or call 480-813-7280 Ext 108 and ask for Janette Freeman.

For more information on end-of-life practices and news, check out our full website at WWW.FABTECH.NET.