Updating Curriculum for Solar Panel Recovery

As California accelerates its transition to renewable energy, community and technical education institutions play a vital role in preparing the next generation of solar technicians, repair professionals and sustainability leaders. The California Product Stewardship Council (CPSC), in collaboration with Federal, State, and Local Government support, is providing a Solar Panel Recovery Education Toolkit aimed at educators teaching about solar panel system design and installation.

This curriculum guide outlines key educational modules that can be integrated into solar panel curricula and community awareness programs. These include components on reuse, repair, recycling, environmental and public health, climate impact, and job creation potential. These resources are provided for free adoption and customization opportunities.

Educator Toolkit

Curriculum

The Educator Toolkit provides instructors with adaptable resources to integrate solar panel recovery into coursework, whether as standalone lessons or a full curriculum series. Each module: Design, Repair, Reuse, Recycling, and Advocacy, is supported by case studies, research, videos, and practical activities that can be tailored to different learning levels. By applying these tools, educators can engage students in real-world problem solving, from technical skills in diagnostics and repair to policy discussions on circular economy strategies. The toolkit ensures students understand solar panel lifecycles and connect local pilot outcomes with sustainability and climate goals.

Module 1: Planning with end-of-life in mind

Solar panel systems must be designed with their full lifecycle in mind, from material selection to end-of-life management. By anticipating reuse, repair, and recycling during the design stage, we can reduce premature waste and maximize both environmental and economic benefits. This module provides background information on how to plan for end-of-life when making system design and purchasing decisions.

Decommission Plans
In California, there are no statewide standards for decommission plans for solar panel installations. The written Plans describe how a solar installation will be dismantled, removed, managed, and the site restored at the end of it's operational life. Key elements often include the following topics, but often do not provide the level of detail on the material recovery processes as other established statewide recycling programs.

Scope and schedule of activities
Restoration and site reclamation
Regulatory compliance and oversight
Alternatives
Financial assurance

Decommissioning Plan Review

Activity:

Review this Plan submitted to the California Energy Commission for an installation in San Bernardino County, CA.

Discussion Questions:

Does the Plan provide enough detail to ensure the panels with be reused and recycled to the highest and best use at the time of de-install?
What additional information is needed to track the de-installed panels to final disposition?

Download

Discussion Questions:

Does the Plan provide enough detail to ensure the panels with be reused and recycled to the highest and best use at the time of de-install?
What additional information is needed to track the de-installed panels to final disposition?

Additional Suggested Activities for Educators:

Find additional Decommissioning Plans from your region.
Design-for-Disassembly Challenge: Redesign a mounting system for easy end-of-life recovery.
Call local installers and ask how they advise on de-installation and safe management.

GHG Modeling

Incorporating reuse, repair, and recycling into Greenhouse Gas (GHG) modeling provides a holistic framework for evaluating the full lifecycle impact of the solar panel(s). By explicitly modeling the emissions avoided through reuse, repair, and recycling, this approach captures both the upstream and downstream effects, including avoiding extraction, manufacturing, and disposal emissions, as well as potential reductions in future production demand. Reuse and repair will increase solar panel adoption in new areas and innovative applications.

"Recycling a ton of discarded solar panels has the effect of reducing 1.2 tons of greenhouse gases so this technique is the absolute key to achieve net-zero emissions."

- Lee Jin-Seok, KIER Head Researcher

(Fabtech, 2024)

CPSC Pilots

Research

Reuse GHG Modeling

Research

Reuse extends the life of solar panels, reduces GHG emissions, and establishes local circular economies that benefit households and underrepresented communities

Download

Additional Resources:

FabTech eBook 2025 – End-of-Life Solar Planning (Freeman, 2025).
DOE – End-of-Life PV Action Plan
Solar Photovoltaic System Design Basics - U.S. Department of Energy - This is an excellent resource for a broad overview of PV system design.
"The Selection of the Best Solar Panel for the Photovoltaic System Design by Using AHP" (ResearchGate, 2016) - This study uses a multi-criteria decision-making method called the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to select the most suitable solar panel for a PV system.
W. Ali, H. Farooq, A. U. Rehman, Q. Awais, M. Jamil and A. Noman, "Design Considerations of Stand-Alone Solar Photovoltaic Systems".The authors emphasize the importance of accurately calculating the daily energy demand as the most critical step in the design process to ensure reliable system operation.
Gan et al. (2023) highlighted that PV supply chains embed significant GHG emissions, making upfront circular design critical for long-term sustainability (Environmental Research Letters).

Module 3: Extending the Life of Solar Systems

Reusing solar panels extends their lifespan, reduces costs, and increases energy access in communities that need it most. Solar panel reuse represents one of the most exciting frontiers in circular economy innovation, offering significant yet largely untapped potential to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. By extending the lifespan of functioning panels through reuse and repair, communities can avoid the high emissions associated with manufacturing new ones while creating local economic and educational opportunities.

This modules covers:

Market pathways for second-life panels
How functional panels can be redeployed elsewhere
Case studies of reuse in California and abroad

Regulatory Guidance
According to the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), reusable panels may be resold, refurbished, or exported if they remain safe and functional. California prioritizes reuse first, followed by recycling in its waste management hierarchy.

Learn more at DTSC solar panel FAQ

CPSC Pilots

Research

CPSC’s Progress Report for Marin County (2024) found that 83% of unwanted panels collected in Marin County pilots were deemed reusable

Download

Key Insights (FabTech 2025 eBook) and CPSC Pilots:

Refurbished panels are in demand by RV owners, farms, nonprofits, and off-grid users.
Panels are sold at salvage value (3–10 cents per watt), making solar more affordable.
Case study: FabTech helped divert 4,000 panels from landfill, repurposing them to power homes, farms, and RVs.

Determining Best Use for Working Panels

Once panels have been tested and confirmed to be functioning at an effective capacity, determining their best use should be guided by three key criteria: performance, market demand, and logistical feasibility. Performance refers to the remaining energy output relative to new panels and whether the panels meet standards for resale or secondary installation. Market demand considers where functional used panels can displace new manufacturing such as in community solar projects, low-income housing, or educational installations, maximizing environmental and social benefits. Finally, logistical feasibility assesses transportation, installation costs, and regulatory requirements to ensure reuse is practical and cost-effective. Together, these criteria help ensure that every working panel achieves its highest and best use before being recycled.

Performance: Visually inspect your panel for obvious signs of damage. Utilize testing technology to determine whether your panel has output capacity. If your panel is not broken and retains capacity, it can be repurposed or sold. Panels with a capacity of over 300 W have the highest resell value.
Market Demand: Refurbished and reusable panels can be reinstalled as rooftop panels, or utilized as something knew. Whether reused panels are sold on reuse marketplaces, thrifts, or used for new products, the opportunity for solar reuse are thriving. Refurbished panels, repaired after minor damage, can be sold inexpensively. The lower price point makes it feasible for disadvantaged communities to access renewable energy. Donating panels can provide companies with tax and other incentives.
Logistical Feasibility: Evaluating logistical feasibility starts with mapping where panels are stored, tested, and ultimately needed for their next use. First, identify nearby reuse markets or recycling facilities and calculate transport distances. Next, determine the safest and most efficient way to move panels (i.e. stacked on pallets, in gaylord boxes, or in specialized racks) to minimize breakage. Request quotes from haulers or installers familiar with fragile or hazardous materials, factoring in loading, unloading, and labor costs.

Market Pathways for Reused Solar Panels

Someone selling a used but working solar panel has several options to find the best value while keeping the panel in use. They can compare prices across online marketplaces that specialize in renewable energy equipment, contact local retailers or installers who may buy or trade used panels, or partner with community organizations seeking affordable solar solutions.

Arizona

Fabtech

Nationwide

Habitat for Humanity

Virtual

Energy Bin

Virtual

Meta Marketplace

Another option is to repurpose the panel for their own creative project, such as powering small structures, garden lighting, or educational demonstrations. Exploring multiple resale or reuse pathways helps maximize both the financial return and the environmental benefit of extending the panel’s life.

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of solar panel recovery is how it invites collaboration across creative disciplines from engineers and artists to educators and entrepreneurs; all of whom are finding inventive ways to repurpose panels for new installations, off-grid systems, and public projects. This intersection of climate action and creativity showcases how reuse can transform waste into a resource that powers both sustainability and imagination.

Build a Micro-Grid

Activity:

Review this case study with the Reuse Alliance for instructions on building a microgrid with used solar panels.

Instructions:

Acquire necessary supplies, including at least one working solar panel.
Assemble all of the wires and connections according to the case study.
Test the solar panel and battery in direct sun.

Download

Discussion Questions:

Does the Plan provide enough detail to ensure the panels with be reused and recycled to the highest and best use at the time of de-install?
What additional information is needed to track the de-installed panels to final disposition?

Additional Suggested Activities for Educators:

Discussion question: What are other creative end-uses for used solar panels?
Equity Debate: Debate whether reused panels should be exported or kept in local markets.
Case Study: Analyze Fabtech Reuse case studies and Habitat for Humanity resale programs.

Additional Resources:

Chhillar, I., Sandhu, S., Parida, S., & Majewski, P. (2025). Certification for solar panel reuse: A systematic review of cross-sector practices and gaps. Sustainability, 17(13), Article 5995. This article propose a certification framework to facilitate the safe and effective reuse of panels by addressing key challenges and gaps in current practices.
Piedrahita, A., Cárdenas, L. M., & Zapata, S. (2025). Solar Panel Waste Management: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Path to a Circular Economy. Energies, 18(7), Article 1844. This paper examine the solar panel supply chain, waste generation, management practices, and the implementation of "6R" principles: Reuse, Repair, Refine, Reduce, Recycle, and Recover.
"To Toss, Repair, or Recycle? How Human Behavior Affects the Fate of Aging Solar Panels" An article from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) that uses agent-based modeling to understand how people decide on the end-of-life management of PV modules. The study highlights that under current conditions, most panels are landfilled, and it discusses the need for policy and technology innovation to encourage recycling and reuse.

Module 2: Safe Deinstallation and Repair

Malfunctioning solar panels are often discarded even when repairs could restore years of service. Repair extends panel life, reduces waste, and builds workforce skills.

This module covers

Cleaning methods to extend the useful life
How Panels are tested and fixed to restore their functionality
The cost benefits of Solar Panel Repair
Community Training and Installations

Solar Panel Cleaning

Proper cleaning is a critical step in both maintaining the performance and extending the operational life of solar panels in their original installation. Dust, debris, and residues can reduce energy output and accelerate wear on panels, so regular cleaning preserves efficiency and delays degradation. Additionally, leaning is an essential preparatory steps when panels are removed for reuse and recycling, as it ensure that materials are free of contaminants, simplifies inspection and repair, and improves the safety and quality of downstream recycling processes.

Solar Panel Testing

Before testing the capacity of used solar panels, you need to determine if it can be sold in the secondary marketplace. A panel can be sold if it has 10-15 years of life left, power output is ≥ 300-watts, does not have broken glass or damaged backsheets, is in working condition or repairable, and tests at 80% capacity or higher (FabTech, 2024).

Here are steps to de-install and test a solar panel:

Determine safest panel removal options and carefully de-install to avoid cracking the glass or frame.
Acquire necessary testing equipment, such as a Multimeter device
Check panel for cracks or exposed wires. If none, proceed.
Plug device into panel after deemed safe and read the output.
Determine next steps based on the reading on the device.
See the reuse and recycling modules for more options.

Marin Reuse Training 16 (David and stude

Multimeter Testing Demonstration

Activity:

Discussion Questions:

When is it best to repair vs replace solar panels?
What are some next steps after a panel is deemed working at capacity?

Contact a local solar panel installer and ask if they can do a demonstration for your class on how to use and read a multimeter. They are a common tool for professional solar panel installers and electricians.

Cost-Benefits of Solar Panel Repair

Repairing solar panels delivers both environmental and economic value by extending their lifespan, reducing waste, and avoiding the high costs of manufacturing new modules. CPSC pilot data show that more than half of collected panels were still functional and suitable for repair or reuse, preventing unnecessary disposal and conserving resources. Recent lifecycle modeling by Lofstad-Lie et al. (2024) found that repairing or selectively replacing defective modules can significantly improve system efficiency and cost-effectiveness, particularly when defects cause less than 30% power loss. These findings highlight that timely repair and reconditioning reduce emissions from new production while keeping solar energy affordable and accessible, especially for low-income communities

Community Outreach and Installer Training

Installer training programs are expanding through partnerships with community colleges and workforce boards to develop green jobs in solar diagnostics, repair, and recycling. Training modules emphasize safety procedures for deinstallation, hazardous material identification, and reuse testing standards aligned with DTSC universal waste guidelines.

By equipping installers with these skills, California is building a sustainable workforce capable of supporting circular energy systems while reducing the environmental and financial burdens of improper panel disposal.

Learn more: U.S Department of Energy Solar Workforce Development

Additional Suggested Activities for Educators:

Repair Cost Comparison Project: Compare the cost of repairing 100 decommissioned panels vs. purchasing new ones using market data.
Panel Fault Diagnosis: Simulate diagnosing damage (loose wiring, cracked frames) and propose cost effective repair methods.

Additional Resources:

The Circular Economy in Solar: Advancing Sustainable Practices for Solar Installers (2025) - This article emphasizes how extending the lifespan of an existing panel through repair or refurbishment directly reduces the amount of electronic waste (e-waste) entering the waste stream. It also avoids the significant energy consumption and carbon emissions associated with manufacturing new panels.
Life-Cycle Cost and Optimization of PV Systems (NREL Report) - This report models life cycle cost (LCC) of PV systems, including operation & management, performance degradation, replacement decisions, and design tradeoffs.
Modeling Cost-Effectiveness of PV Module Replacement Based on Defect Power Loss - This open-access study models energy gain vs replacement cost for defective modules under varying conditions (e.g. location, defect severity).
Reliability Analysis and Life Cycle Costing of Rooftop Solar PV Systems - The paper breaks down cost categories in the life cycle of rooftop PV capital, failure, decommissioning, operation & maintenance, and discusses tradeoffs in maintenance strategies.

Module 4: Solar Panel Recycling

Recycling ensures valuable materials like glass, aluminum, and silicon are recovered instead of landfilled. Developing efficient recycling pathways reduces environmental risks, conserves resources, and supports a resilient green economy.

This module covers:

Regulatory guidance for handling unwanted solar panels
Recycling processes
Emerging technologies and markets

Regulatory Guidance
DTSC defines PV modules as devices made of glass, frames, encapsulation, and metals that generate electricity. These include crystalline silicon and thin-film modules (CdTe, CIGS, perovskite, GaAs). Some materials (lead, cadmium, arsenic, selenium) may classify modules as hazardous if not designed carefully.

Not all PV modules are hazardous, but older ones often fail toxicity tests due to heavy metals (lead, cadmium, selenium). DTSC allows non-hazardous PV modules to be managed as universal waste if sent to legitimate recyclers. These facilities must meet registration, permitting, and worker safety standards.

Learn more at DTSC solar panel FAQ

HD 31 Santa Monica Solar Panel Collection pic 1 from 10-15-21.jpg

CPSC Pilots

Case Study

City of Santa Monica collection pilots showed recycling costs of $12–$20 per panel but avoided significant landfill liabilities.

Download

Additional Suggested Activities for Educators:

Look up your region on CPSC's solar panel reuse map and determine where is the closest DTSC approved recycler.
Discussion question: What are some challenges to expanding safe solar panel recycling in State?
Analyze Fabtech recycling case studies videos

City of Santa Monica Solar Pilot Project

CPSC Solar Panel Reuse Hub featuring Zero Waste Marin and Marin Builders Association

Key Insights (FabTech 2025 eBook):

Over 80% of a panel’s weight is recyclable, but specialized processes are required.
Recycling costs average $12–$20 per panel (2025).
Cheap recyclers may landfill 80% of a panel, creating long-term liabilities.
Recycling improves ESG standing, avoids toxic impacts, and conserves resources.

Recycling Processes
Recycling solar panels is essential to recover valuable materials like glass, aluminum, silver, silicon, and copper, while reducing environmental risks from hazardous components such as lead and cadmium. Modern recycling processes combine mechanical, thermal, and chemical treatments to safely dismantle and extract these materials for reuse in manufacturing new panels and electronic components.

Key Recycling Stages Include:

Manual Dismantling - Panels are first separated from junction boxes, frames, and cables. Aluminum frames and copper wiring are removed for direct reuse or smelting.
Mechanical Separation - Shredding or crushing breaks panels into smaller pieces. Density or magnetic separation then isolates glass, plastics, and metals for further processing.
Example: Glass, which makes up about 70% of a panel, can be reused in new glass or insulation products.
Material Refinement and Recrystallization - Recovered materials are refined and remelted to produce new wafers or feedstock for new markets, such as semi-conductors, reducing demand for virgin materials.
Waste Management and Safety Controls - Hazardous residues (e.g., from cadmium telluride panels) are neutralized and safely stored following DTSC and EPA protocols to prevent contamination.

Emerging End Markets

As more solar panels reach the end of their life, new recycling methods are being developed to recover valuable materials and reduce waste. These technologies make it easier to reuse glass, metals, and silicon, turning old panels into new resources for clean energy and manufacturing

Advance Mechanical Processing

Automated dismantling and shredding systems recover clean materials like silicon, glass, and metals without contamination.
Markets: Glass for insulation and new panels; aluminum for automotive parts.

Learn more: PV CYCLE Recycling Process

Pyrolysis Innovations

Low-temperature pyrolysis separates encapsulant layers without toxic emissions, reclaiming intact silicon cells and metals.
Markets: Silicon for new wafers; polymers for plastics or fuel conversion.

Learn more: ROSI Solar Website

Chemical and Hydrometallurgical Recovery

New leaching and solvent extraction methods recover up to 95% of silver, copper, and lead from PV modules with high purity.
Markets: Silver and copper for electronics; lead and tin for soldering and circuit boards.

Learn more: IRENA Website

Silicon Reclaim and Refinement Technologies

Global innovators like ROSI Solar, SungEel HiTech, and First Solar reclaim high-purity silicon, glass, and aluminum from end-of-life panels.
Markets: Silicon for semiconductors; aluminum and indium for high-tech alloys and coatings.

Learn more: SungEel Hitech Website

Additional Resources:

"An Overview of Photovoltaic Module's End-of-Life Material Recycling Pathways" (Latinović et al., Ecological, 2022) offers a solid overview of the technological processes for PV recycling.
Mao et al. (2024) showed recycling and upcycling of PV modules both result in significant GHG reductions compared to landfill disposal (Journal of Cleaner Production).
Xia, S., Yang, Y., & Poon, J. P. H. (2025). How to tackle the looming challenge of solar PV panel recycling - reveals that the projected increase in PV module waste requires urgent coordinated solutions involving new technologies
Mao et al. (2024) – Demonstrated that both upcycling and downcycling PV panels provide net negative GHG emissions compared to landfilling, supporting the need for specialized recycling infrastructure.
Faircloth et al. (2019) – Found that PV waste recycling offsets thousands of kilograms of CO₂e, proving the environmental and economic value of recycling over disposal.

Module 5: Shaping Policy and Promoting Stewardship

Strong policies and advocacy are essential to make reuse and recycling the industry standard. By engaging communities, lawmakers, and industry leaders, advocacy helps shape a circular solar economy that protects health, the environment, and future generations.

This module covers:

Background on regulations in California
Community outreach and installer training
Equity considerations in solar access and waste management

Regulatory Guidance

California leads the nation in developing responsible end-of-life standards for solar panels, emphasizing safe handling, reuse, and recycling. Under current Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) guidance, solar photovoltaic (PV) modules are regulated as universal waste rather than hazardous waste, a temporary classification that simplifies management while maintaining safety and environmental standards.

Key Policy Points

PV modules are managed as universal waste under DTSC’s current policy.
Modules that are reusable or repairable are classified as surplus material, not waste.
Facilities handling universal waste PVs must be registered and meet DTSC standards for safe recycling.

Learn more at DTSC solar panel FAQ

Equity Considerations in Solar Access and Waste Management

Equity is central to California’s solar circular economy vision. Access to clean energy and fair participation in end-of-life management ensures that environmental benefits are shared across all communities not concentrated in wealthier or urban areas.

Many disadvantaged and rural regions still face barriers to affordable solar access, while also bearing a disproportionate share of environmental burdens from waste infrastructure. By prioritizing reuse programs, workforce training, and community collection sites in these areas, the state can align solar growth with environmental justice goals.

Embedding equity into solar panel reuse and recycling ensures that California’s transition to clean energy is both inclusive and restorative, reducing pollution, preventing illegal dumping, and creating long-term green jobs. Prioritizing reuse programs, workforce training, and local collection events in underserved regions helps align solar growth with environmental justice goals.

Learn more: California Energy Commission - Equity and Energy Access Initiative

Active and Recently Passed Legislation

California continues to update its solar waste management laws to support safe recycling and reuse. AB 864 (Ward) proposes to exempt non-hazardous solar panels from strict hazardous waste rules by classifying them as universal waste when sent to legitimate recyclers, while directing DTSC to develop long-term management standards and allowing reusable panels to be designated as surplus materials.

Recent passed Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws such as SB 707 (Newman) for Textiles and SB 54 (Allen), Plastic Packaging are reshaping California’s recycling framework by holding manufacturers accountable for end-of-life management. These landmark policies provide a model for future solar EPR legislation, ensuring that producers share responsibility for recovery costs, material circularity, and pollution prevention.

Illegal Dumping

Case Study

Download

Review the CPSC Case study for more details and policy solutions.

illegal dumping and mismanagement of PV modules

As the solar industry expands, improper disposal of decommissioned panels has become an emerging environmental concern. Panels are sometimes stockpiled, dumped, or mismanaged due to limited recycling options and uneven enforcement of waste rules. This practice threatens soil and groundwater quality, especially in areas already burdened by pollution.

Download the CPSC Case study on illegal dumping to learn more.

Solar Bill

Texas

HB 3228

PV recycling

California

AB 864

PV Recycling

Policy Text Review

Activity:

Download

Review this the text of this piece of legislation and review as a group the following discussion questions.
Policy Workshops: Host discussions on California’s AB 864 and DTSC’s solar panel regulations to identify opportunities for improving waste classification or promoting reuse incentives.
Letter-Writing Activities: Students can draft letters to local representatives or agencies (CalRecycle, DTSC, or legislative offices) to advocate for stronger recycling infrastructure or education funding for solar workforce programs. See CPSC Sample Letter on AB 864 here.

Discussion Questions:

Describe the mail goals and components of the legislation.
How does the legislation provide convenient collection for solar panel owners?
What are some ideas to improve the legislation to address tracking and reporting of collected materials?

Additional Suggested Activities for Educators:

Debate: Should California adopt mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for solar panels?
Policy exercise: Students draft a one-page “EOL Policy Template” for a college solar project.
Advocacy activity: Plan a public awareness campaign about solar waste.
Community Solar Justice Project: Identify a community or region with limited solar access and propose a reuse or repair outreach initiative.
Policy Review: Texas HB 3228 mandating PV recycling.

Research:

Educators are invited to collaborate with the California Product Stewardship Council (CPSC) for an engaging guest lecture on solar panel reuse, repair, and recycling. Our experts share current research, policy insights, and local case studies to help students understand the growing circular economy around solar technology. CPSC can also connect classrooms with regional leaders advancing solar panel sustainability initiatives across California.

Request Guest Lecture From CPSC

RELEVANT AGENCIES, ASSOCIATIONS, AND NGOs

Resources

The table below presents links and descriptions of key organizations in the solar panel, repair, and recycling sector. These organizations offer valuable complimentary resources designed to promote sustainable practices in the industry. We invite you to explore this information to better understand how these entities contribute to extending the lifespan of solar panels and promoting environmental stewardship.

Relevant Events

Welcome to our Events Section dedicated to promoting initiatives around solar panel reuse, repair, and recycling. Join us for upcoming workshops, seminars, and community gatherings aimed at educating and inspiring sustainable practices in solar energy. If you have an event that aligns with this mission, please contact CPSC to have it featured here. Together, we can make a difference in the way we approach solar energy and its lifecycle.