When it comes to intentionally recycling your outdated or otherwise unwanted solar panels, your location may limit your options. That previously mentioned recycling cost (compared to landfilling) is one of the biggest hurdles in the U.S. along with a lack of regulations at the Federal level. Some individual states — such as California, Hawaii, and New Jersey – are set up for it, and a small list can be found on the EPA’s official website, but not all of them. In Europe, policies were passed in March of 2024 requiring solar manufacturers to take care of recycling their products once the time is right.
If you reside in the U.S. and want to recycle, though, be prepared to do a little research first. You’ll want to look into whether or not your state has any solar recycling programs or regulations, but barring that there are several companies out there like Earth911 or the SEIA (Solar Energy Industries Association) that claim to recycle old solar panels for you. However, none of these companies are currently endorsed by the EPA so if you decide to go that route it’s important to do your due diligence first.
Instead, consider contacting either the manufacturer of your solar panels or whoever installed them for you. They might have some tips for you, and if they already have an established relationship with a panel recycling company (most of which are intended to accommodate businesses and organizations, not individuals) they might be able to help you out.
