The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been slow to issue clear rules on solar waste management, leaving states to manage the growing waste from decommissioned solar panels. The EPA’s failure to implement the 2019 Save Our Seas Act, which required a study on the management of photovoltaic panels, has led to uncertainty and inconsistent regulations across states. This delay has been extended, with federal rulemaking now pushed from a June 2025 start to February 2026, and completion delayed until August 2027.
Solar Waste: Addressing the Solar panel waste Challenge
As solar energy expands rapidly in the U.S., the issue of solar waste is becoming increasingly urgent. With many panels from the early solar boom nearing the end of their 25- to 30-year lifespan, the country is facing a potential “solar waste tsunami.” By 2050, the country is projected to generate 10 million tons of solar waste annually, but the EPA has yet to finalize the rules needed to manage this waste effectively.
In 2019, Congress passed the Save Our Seas Act, mandating the EPA to study the management of solar panels and other wastes. However, the EPA has missed deadlines and only recently released a preliminary report on the issue, highlighting the need for clear and consistent regulations.
The EPA faces a complex challenge in regulating solar waste. The agency must consider the entire lifecycle of solar panels, from the basics of manufacturing to decommissioning. Solar panels are composed mainly of glass (70-80%), aluminum (10%), and polymers (10%), but also contain small amounts of valuable and potentially hazardous raw materials like silver, copper, and lead. The EPA’s preliminary report explores various waste management options, including recycling and landfill disposal, but does not provide specific recommendations for a unified national strategy.
States Taking Action on Solar panel waste
In the absence of federal guidance, states have begun to implement their own solar waste regulations. California, North Carolina, and New York have already established rules, while at least 11 other states, including Florida and Texas, are considering legislation. These state-level actions aim to fill the gap left by the EPA’s inaction, but they also create a patchwork of regulations that could complicate compliance and create significant risks for the solar panel manufacturing business.
The solar industry has expressed concerns about the lack of federal regulations. Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) Vice President David Gahl emphasized the need for clear EPA rules to ensure consistent management of solar waste across states. Without federal guidance, companies face a complex regulatory landscape that could hinder the growth of solar energy. This contrasts with more unified national strategies seen elsewhere, such as Japan’s new solar panel recycling mandate, which aims to create a clear, nationwide system.
The EPA’s delay in issuing solar waste regulations has also drawn criticism from environmental groups. The Center for Biological Diversity has highlighted the environmental risks of improper solar waste disposal, including potential harm to wildlife and ecosystems. The group has called for the EPA to prioritize the development of comprehensive rules to manage this growing waste stream.
The Path Forward for Solar panel waste
As solar power continues to expand, with ambitious projects from El Salvador’s renewable energy expansion to domestic initiatives, the need for effective waste management becomes more critical. The EPA’s role in setting national standards is essential to ensure that solar waste is managed in a way that protects the environment and supports the sustainable growth of renewable energy.
With the federal rulemaking process now scheduled to conclude in mid-2027, the final report and subsequent regulations will be crucial in shaping the future of solar waste management in the U.S. This outcome will influence the entire solar panel manufacturing process by defining end-of-life responsibilities.
In the meantime, states will continue to lead the way. Their efforts, while fragmented, provide valuable lessons for the EPA as it works to develop a national framework that ensures the responsible disposal and recycling of solar panels.
The EPA’s extended delay in issuing solar waste regulations has left states to fill the gap, leading to a patchwork of rules that complicate compliance for solar companies. As solar energy continues to grow, the need for clear and consistent federal regulations becomes more urgent. The EPA’s upcoming rulemaking process will be a critical step in addressing this challenge and ensuring that solar waste is managed in an environmentally responsible manner.
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