Solar photovoltaics have increased for both residential and commercial use in the past 20 years in Vermont. As more installations of Solar Photovoltaics (PV solar panels) take place, so will the volume of solar panels needing end of life management in the future.
Diversion of solar panels from the waste stream is important not only for reducing waste sent to the landfill but also solar panels may have heavy metals in the glass panel which can be toxic and must be managed appropriately. In addition, some of these metals and glass are high value materials: silicon, indium, silver, tellurium, copper that can be recycled.
Panels that are in good shape can go for reuse. Panels have a long lifetime- approximately 35 years.
Those that have reached their end of useful life are not eligible for reuse, but may be dismantled and recycled by a solar panel recycling company.
Best Management Practices
- Store all panels under cover
- Prevent breaking of panels when consolidating for storage and in transporting for reuse or recycling
If you are a resident:
Ask the company who installed your solar panels if they can take back for recycling.
If that is not an option, contact your local SWME.
If you are a business, please follow hazardous waste regulations for proper management as outlined in this fact EPA webpage: https://www.epa.gov/hw/solar-panel-frequent-questions
More information can be found on this Best Practices Document from Renewable Energy Vermont:
https://www.revermont.org/wp-content/uploads/Solar-PV-and-Battery-End-of-Life-Management-Final.pdf