OR AS WE CALL IT, THE BIG DECOMMISH
Solar Panel Decommissioning Services
Welcome to Solar Recycling Company™..
Specializing in large commercial and utility-scale solar farm decommissioning projects. We partner with solar installers, contractors, real estate developers around the world that want to decommission used and old solar panels and equipment.
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Decommission Solar
Panels and Equipment
The Solar Recycling Company is the secondary market for excess new and used solar panels, inverters, battery backup storage and other hardware. We help to recoup some cash or try to offset costs of shipping and handling by decommissioning your used solar panels, farms and equipment.
Are you looking to decommission old solar panels, farms, inverters or power storage? Contact us with the details and would love to see if we can be of assistance.
*We don’t typically deal with small residential projects, only large scale commercial and utility-scale decommissioning. Typical minimum would be 100 panels.
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It’s tough to be proud about how environmentally friendly renewable energy sources are if they turn out to be major sources of pollution in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you decommission a solar panel?
Different types of solar panels may require different decommissioning processes depending on the model/make, size of the solar arrays, type of solar cells, and other factors.
However, most of the decommissioning processes typically involve the following steps:
- Planning:
Evaluating the solar panel installation and developing a decommissioning plan according to the specific condition. The decommissioning plan should include:
- The list of potentially hazardous materials
- The list of valuable/salvageable components
- Timeline for decommissioning
- Budget
Also, the solar farm decommissioning plan should be tailored according to:
- The size of the solar panels and/or array
- The type of the solar panels
- Location of mounting/installation
- Potential environmental impact of the decommissioning process
- Removal:
Remove the solar panel from where it was installed or mounted (i.e., on a roof). Depending on the condition, the removal process may require the use of specialized equipment like a crane.
- Disposal of hazardous materials:
Most solar panels contain hazardous materials (i.e., lead, cadmium, mercury, etc.) in their components, and disposing of these materials may require specialized equipment and/or methods.
- Recycling:
The recyclable materials (i.e., glass, metal materials, plastic, silicon, etc.) contained in the solar panels are then recycled in an environmentally responsible manner. Depending on the complexity of the process, sending the solar panels to a specialized recycling facility may be needed.
Due to the potential complexity and risk associated with the solar farm decommissioning process, it’s critical to choose a reputable solar panel and farm recycling company that is also compliant with all environmental regulations.
How much does solar panel decommissioning cost?
The cost of decommissioning a solar panel can vary from under $1,000 to more than $5,000 per panel. Factors that may affect the decommissioning costs are as follows:
- Size and quantity
- Type of solar panels
- Location of where they were installed
- Cost of disposal and recycling in the area
- The age of the solar panels. Older solar panels may contain more hazardous materials and will be more costly to recycle
- The condition of the solar panels. Damaged solar panels may require specialized equipment for removal and recycling.
- Local regulations. Depending on the local environmental regulations, the cost of decommissioning solar arrays can vary.
For example, if the solar arrays are located in remote, hard-to-reach areas, the cost would be higher. It’s also quite obvious that decommissioning larger solar arrays will cost more than recycling a single, household-grade solar panel.
What are the stages of solar panel decommissioning?
Here are the typical key stages of a solar panel and farm decommissioning process:
- Site assessment: a site assessment process is performed before the actual decommissioning process to evaluate factors like location, the panel’s condition, age, and potential for recycling/reuse. Based on the assessment result, a decommissioning plan is developed.
- Removal: the solar panels are removed from the rooftops or any mounting structures they were installed on. This process would require a complete and safe disconnecting of the panels from the connected electrical system and the safe removal of all components of the solar panels.
- Transportation: once safely removed, the panels are transported to a designated facility (or facilities) for further processing (i.e., disposal of hazardous materials in a specialized facility.) This process may also involve securely packaging the panels to prevent any damage during the shipping process.
- Recycling/disposal process: different components in the solar panels are either recycled or disposed of. Materials that can be reused and/or are still valuable, like metal, silicon, or glass, can be recovered or reused. On the other hand, hazardous components or materials will be safely handled and disposed of while ensuring compliance with relevant regulations in the area.
- Reuse of components: recovered components (i.e., glass, aluminum) can be recycled and reused in the production of new solar panels or other products. In the long run, this practice can help you prevent the extraction of more valuable materials and reduce waste.
How long does it take to decommission a solar panel?
Decommissioning solar panels can take anywhere from just a few days to a few weeks. The actual time frame would include the time required for site assessment/planning, removal, transportation, and recycling/disposal.
Of course, the time required to decommission solar panels may vary depending on a range of factors, including:
- The size and quantity of the solar panels
- Type/brand/model of the solar panel
- Location of the panels
- The current condition of the panels
- Availability of qualified/recurred expert
- Your local government regulations
In certain cases, it can be difficult to find qualified personnel capable of performing the solar farm decommissioning process, which may lengthen the timeline. Also, in some jurisdictions, there may be specific requirements before you can dispose of or recycle solar panels, which may affect your timeline.
How do solar panels degrade over time?
Solar panels can degrade over time due to a number of potential causes, including:
- UV radiation: the sun’s UV radiation can cause the silicon cells of the solar panels to degrade over time. This may affect the silicon cells’ ability to generate electricity, lowering the solar panel’s overall efficiency.
- Wind and rain: exposure to the elements may damage the components of the solar panels, which may also reduce the amount of electricity produced.
- Exposure to extreme temperatures: extreme temperatures can also cause degradation and efficiency loss.
- Accumulation of dirt, dust, and debris: accumulation of dirt and debris can block the solar cells, so they can’t receive direct sunlight, reducing the efficiency of the solar panels.
The rate of degradation would vary depending on the environmental conditions in which the panels are installed, the type of the solar panel, etc. Most solar panels nowadays have a life expectancy between 25 and 30 years, but degradation may significantly shorten this expected lifespan.
To prevent degradation and extend the life expectancy of solar panels, we can:
- Choose solar panels made of high-quality, durable materials that are more resistant to degradation over time
- Regularly clean and remove the accumulation of dust and debris, especially near the solar cells
- Avoid installing solar panels in areas exposed to extreme weather and/or temperatures
When do solar panels need to be decommissioned?
In general, we’ll need to start thinking about decommissioning solar panels and farm as they reach the end of their expected lifecycle.
The life expectancy of most solar panels is approximately 25 to 30 years, though some may last for longer or shorter periods.
There are a number of signs that a solar panel is nearing its useable life, such as:
- Physical damages: degraded solar panels may produce cracks or breaks
- Reduced efficiency: solar panels will produce less electricity from sunlight exposure over time. When it no longer generates enough electricity, it’s time for it to be decommissioned.
- Delamination: delamination refers to how the layers of the panel are separating from each other. Solar panels can become weakened and more prone to failure due to exposure to extreme temperatures or moisture, which can cause delamination of materials.
- Corrosion: the components and materials of the solar panel start to corrode.
If you notice one or more of these signs, it’s best to have your solar panels inspected by a professional, which can then determine whether your solar panels need to be decommissioned right away.
Why should old solar panels be decommissioned properly?
Old, damaged, or end-of-life solar panels should be decommissioned through a responsible process instead of being treated as general waste. Solar modules can contain recoverable materials such as glass, silicon, aluminum, copper, and silver, and some panel types may require careful handling because of the materials used inside them.
The Solar Recycling Company helps commercial and utility-scale customers move retired solar equipment into a more responsible end-of-life pathway. Our process supports proper handling, recycling, and recovery so panels do not sit unused in storage or end up in disposal channels that fail to capture their remaining value.
For solar farms, EPCs, installers, developers, and asset owners, responsible solar panel decommissioning helps reduce waste, support sustainability goals, and simplify the process of retiring panels, inverters, batteries, and related solar equipment.
How does the solar panel decommissioning process work?
The process starts with the details of your project. Share the type of solar equipment, quantity, condition, location, and any available supporting information. From there, The Solar Recycling Company reviews the project and helps determine the right next step.
For commercial and utility-scale solar panel decommissioning, our team can help coordinate logistics, recycling, and responsible downstream handling. Once panels are received, they may be sorted by condition and technology type, then routed toward reuse, recycling, or material recovery where available.
The goal is to make decommissioning easier for customers managing large volumes of retired solar assets. Instead of navigating the process alone, you get a practical solution for moving panels and related equipment out of service and into a responsible recovery stream.
What types of solar panels can The Solar Recycling Company handle?
The Solar Recycling Company can help with many common types of retired solar panels, including crystalline silicon modules and thin-film technologies. The right handling method depends on the panel’s design, chemistry, age, and condition.
Crystalline silicon panels are common across rooftop, commercial, and utility-scale solar systems and often contain recoverable glass, aluminum, copper, and silicon. Thin-film panels, including CdTe, CIGS, and amorphous silicon modules, may require a different approach because of their material composition.
If your project includes mixed solar panels or unknown module types, our team can review the available information and help identify the most suitable decommissioning path.
Is solar panel decommissioning environmentally friendly?
Yes, when solar panels are handled through a qualified process, decommissioning can support a more sustainable solar lifecycle. Instead of allowing old panels to become unmanaged waste, responsible decommissioning helps direct them toward recycling, reuse, or material recovery.
Solar panels are made with materials that can often be recovered and used again. Proper handling also helps reduce the risk of materials being discarded improperly. For organizations that invested in renewable energy, this creates a cleaner end-of-life strategy that better reflects the environmental purpose of solar power.
The Solar Recycling Company works with commercial and utility-scale customers to help keep retired panels and solar equipment moving toward responsible processing rather than unnecessary landfill disposal.
What happens to materials after solar panels are decommissioned?
After panels are decommissioned, they are typically sorted and processed so recoverable material streams can be separated. Depending on the panel type and recycling pathway, this may include glass, aluminum frames, copper wiring, silicon, and other components.
Glass may be processed for reuse in new glass products or other manufacturing applications. Aluminum and copper can enter metal recycling streams. Semiconductor materials may be recovered depending on the technology and available processing method.
Materials that cannot be reused or recovered should be managed through appropriate downstream channels. The Solar Recycling Company helps customers route retired solar panels and related equipment toward responsible end-of-life solutions.
Can broken solar panels still be decommissioned?
Yes. Broken solar panels can still be included in a decommissioning project. In fact, damaged modules often need careful handling because cracked glass, exposed components, or weathered materials can make storage and disposal more difficult.
The Solar Recycling Company can help customers manage damaged, defective, surplus, or end-of-life panels from commercial and utility-scale projects. Whether the panels were removed after storm damage, system upgrades, repowering, installation issues, or routine replacement, our team can help determine the proper recycling or recovery path.
Does The Solar Recycling Company work with commercial and utility-scale projects?
Yes. The Solar Recycling Company focuses on commercial and utility-scale solar panel recycling and decommissioning needs. Our services are designed for larger projects involving solar farms, developers, contractors, installers, O&M providers, EPCs, and organizations managing bulk solar assets.
These projects often require more than a simple drop-off option. Large-scale solar panel decommissioning may involve freight planning, site coordination, mixed equipment types, and documentation. Our team helps simplify those steps so retired solar panels, inverters, batteries, and related equipment can be handled responsibly.