As the solar industry in the United States continues to mature, discussions around end-of-life (EOL) management for solar panels are becoming increasingly critical.
At SolarPanelRecycling.com, we have observed a striking trend: the average age of panels entering our recycling facilities nationwide is just under 11 years—far below the 25- to 30-year lifespan they are expected to reach.
This accelerated retirement of panels is driven by several factors, including damage during shipping and installation, weather-related events, regular operations and maintenance (O&M) activities, and site repowering, where smaller wattage panels are replaced with higher-wattage models. While these realities underscore an urgent need for comprehensive solar recycling solutions in the U.S., the industry faces significant hurdles that must be overcome to make solar recycling the standard rather than the exception.
The Lack of Awareness and Infrastructure
One of the most significant challenges the U.S. faces in solar recycling is a lack of awareness of recycling options and standards. Many solar stakeholders—including project developers, asset owners, and policymakers—are often unaware that recycling is a viable option. Even when they recognize its feasibility, they may struggle to distinguish between true recyclers and incomplete recyclers.
Major investments in ongoing R&D and technology upgrades are essential to cleanly separate glass—which comprises approximately 80% of a panel’s weight—from silicon, plastics, and other metals. Clean separation of all materials is considered true recycling. On the other hand, incomplete recyclers only recover aluminum and shred the remaining 95% of the panel, which often ends up in landfills. Without proper education and industry standards, asset owners, EPCs, and O&M companies may unintentionally choose subpar recyclers, missing the opportunity to support a true circular economy.
The Landfill vs. Recycling Dilemma
Another major obstacle to solar recycling in the U.S. is the cost disparity between landfill disposal and responsible recycling. Landfilling remains the cheaper option in most states, leading many companies to opt for this environmentally detrimental approach. Without regulations or policies banning solar panels from landfills, the majority of EOL modules are being discarded improperly.
This issue is further compounded by the limited capacity of landfills across the country. Beyond the environmental ramifications, adding billions of pounds of solar panel material to landfills will continue to accelerate their rate of capacity exhaustion. Once landfills reach their limits, the effects ripple across local and regional economies, impacting business development, job creation, and overall economic growth. Without proactive policies on solar panel disposal, the U.S. is setting itself up for an avoidable crisis.
The Role of Policy in Solar Recycling
To foster a sustainable and economically viable solar industry, policymakers must implement regulations and incentives that encourage the transportation of EOL panels to true recycling facilities rather than landfills. The most impactful regulatory changes will likely emerge at the state level, where tailored policies can ensure that solar panels are recycled responsibly without imposing unnecessary transportation burdens on the industry.
Some states have already taken steps in this direction. For example, North Carolina enacted a policy in 2025 banning solar panels from being disposed of in construction and demolition (C&D) landfills. This is a major step in the right direction and sets a precedent for how the rest of the country could manage this growing waste stream. Similar policies in other states could pave the way for a more structured and sustainable recycling ecosystem.
Industry Leaders Are Already Taking Action
Despite these early challenges, we are seeing an encouraging trend among major utilities and energy companies that are choosing to recycle their panels ahead of legal mandates. These organizations recognize the long-term environmental and economic benefits of responsible solar panel recycling and are proactively integrating recycling into their operational strategies, quite literally leading their industry.
This movement signals an important shift in how solar waste is managed, and we are optimistic that more companies will follow suit year-over-year. However, voluntary participation alone is not enough to ensure widespread adoption of responsible recycling practices. Comprehensive policies and industry-driven initiatives will be necessary to make true recycling the default choice for all stakeholders.
SEIA’s Leadership in Solar Recycling
A key player in shaping the future of solar recycling in the U.S. is the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). As the leading national solar association, SEIA has already taken significant steps to distinguish true recycling solutions from incomplete ones. By identifying and partnering with legitimate recyclers, SEIA is ensuring the industry adopts environmentally responsible practices while avoiding partial or deceptive recycling efforts. Its leadership is helping to shape a sustainable future for the industry by providing companies and policymakers with the necessary guidance to make informed decisions.
With SEIA's proactive involvement, solar recycling could become one of the first major recycling industries in the country to be established ahead of an environmental crisis. Instead of reacting to an inevitable flood of EOL panels in the coming years, the industry has a unique opportunity to create sustainable solutions in advance.
A Call to Action
The future of solar in the U.S. must include a comprehensive and accessible recycling infrastructure. Without proactive policies, education, and industry cooperation, the country risks turning a renewable energy revolution into an environmental liability.
Despite these challenges, the primary responsibility falls on true solar recyclers, to continue investing in the research and development of new technologies. By improving efficiencies and increasing pure commodity recovery, we can close the cost gap between responsible recycling and the lower costs of incomplete recycling or landfilling.
As more stakeholders seek true recycling, substantial volumes will enter the recycling space, enabling economies of scale that will further drive down costs. With collaboration and foresight, the U.S. can establish a gold standard for solar panel recycling, paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future. The time to act is now.
