The New Jersey Solar Panel Recycling Commission was established to study and investigate options for recycling and other end-of-life management options for photovoltaic and other solar energy generation structures, with the goals of recycling (processing) end-of-life (EOL) solar panels and sending components to legitimate and verifiable end-markets, and extending use and reuse of solar panels.
The Commission’s Report of Investigation of Recycling and Other Management Methods for Solar Panels details the Commission’s research, including challenges and recommendations for solar panel recycling and EOL solar panel management in New Jersey.
How was the Project Started?
There are currently no regulations, policies, or guidelines for managing EOL solar panels in New Jersey, despite New Jersey ranking 8th in the nation on installed solar panel capacity. To address the lack of regulations and guidelines to manage EOL solar panels, Governor Murphy signed P.L. 2019, c. 215, into law, establishing the Commission.
When was the Project Started?
April 2021
When was the Project Completed, or is it Ongoing?
The Commission concluded its research in October 2022. The draft report was issued in November 2022, followed by a final report (vetted by DEP management and the Governor’s Office) issued in November 2023.
What are the Results to Date?
Based on one of the Commission’s recommendations, NJDEP has initiated the process to amend the New Jersey Hazardous Waste Rules to classify EOL solar panels as Universal Waste. This process is not expected to be completed until the end of 2025.
What are the Resources Needed, including Time, Cost, Etc.?
TBD
Contact Information
- Nick Nader
- New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
- Chair, Solar Panel Commission
- nicholas.nader@dep.nj.gov
