Updating Curriculum for Solar Panel Recovery

The California Product Stewardship Council (CPSC), in collaboration with Stop Waste of Alameda County, is launching a Solar panel Education Toolkit aimed at addressing the full lifecycle of solar energy systems through a just, equitable, and sustainable lens. 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.

This curriculum guide outlines key educational pillars that should be integrated into solar panel training curricula and community awareness programs. These include components on reuse, repair, recycling, environmental and public health, climate impact, job creation potential; These resources are being designed for adoption across Alameda County and, ultimately, replication statewide and nationally.

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

Solar panel installation is increasing nationwide, with California playing an essential role in the country's net zero emissions goals. Within California and across the country, there is an absence of recycling and reuse management standards for solar panels, leading owners, and installers, with little guidance on safe management.

Introduce students to principles of solar system design that prioritize reuse, repair, and recyclability from the outset. This module covers:
• Design-for-disassembly techniques to support reuse of mounts, wiring, and inverters
• Integration of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) with circular strategies
• Lifecycle thinking in material selection and production emissions

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Adam Caar

Developer

Use this space to introduce yourself and share your professional history.

Adam Caar

Developer

Use this space to introduce yourself and share your professional history.

Adam Caar

Developer

Use this space to introduce yourself and share your professional history.

Module 3: Extending the Life of Solar Systems

Many solar panels retired today still produce at least 70-80% capacity. Our previous pilot programs have confirmed these facts. Training programs should emphasize: •Safe removal and quality testing of used panels. •Repurposing low income or off grid communities. •Designing disassembly to enable reuse of mount, wiring and inverters. By embedding reuse principles, students will learn hands-on hazardous waste reduction techniques.

Title

$0

Adam Caar

Developer

Use this space to introduce yourself and share your professional history.

Adam Caar

Developer

Use this space to introduce yourself and share your professional history.

Adam Caar

Developer

Use this space to introduce yourself and share your professional history.

Module 2: Building a Solar Maintenance Economy

Malfunctioning solar equipment often goes unrepaired and prematurely discarded. Repair trainings should emphasize: •Safe removal and quality testing of used panels. •Identifying common panel failures (wiring, connectors, inverters) •Diagnostic tools and troubleshooting protocols. By embedding repair principles, students will learn hands-on repair skills, expanding student career pathways beyond installation.

Adam Caar

Developer

Use this space to introduce yourself and share your professional history.

Adam Caar

Developer

Use this space to introduce yourself and share your professional history.

Adam Caar

Developer

Use this space to introduce yourself and share your professional history.

Module 4: Building a Solar Maintenance Economy

Our program raises awareness about the limitations of current solar panel recycling systems Students will explore topics such as hazardous materials, material recovery processes, and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws that are shaping the future of solar waste.

Adam Caar

Developer

Use this space to introduce yourself and share your professional history.

Adam Caar

Developer

Use this space to introduce yourself and share your professional history.

Adam Caar

Developer

Use this space to introduce yourself and share your professional history.

Module 5: Shaping Policy and Promoting Stewardship

Empower students with tools to engage in solar product stewardship and community-level advocacy: •Understanding federal and state policy frameworks. •Campaigns for solar take-back programs and safe design. •Community education and civic engagement techniques. •Working with local government and nonprofits to advance solar circularity.

Adam Caar

Developer

Use this space to introduce yourself and share your professional history.

Adam Caar

Developer

Use this space to introduce yourself and share your professional history.

Adam Caar

Developer

Use this space to introduce yourself and share your professional history.

Educator Toolkit

Solar Panel Reuse: A Case Study by Reuse Alliance

Collection & Reuse Training Event

Solar Panel Training Guide

Solar

Collection pilot project case study

Zero Waste Sonoma

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Solar Panel Research

Brasch & Kobold (2020)
CPSC’s pilot study in Butte, San Mateo, and Santa Monica showed that many panels were removed while still functional, underscoring the opportunity for reuse before recycling.
CPSC (2022)
This report explored the role of reuse and recycling in building a circular economy for solar panels in California.
Chowdhury (2024)
An IEEE study proposing blockchain-enabled extended producer responsibility (EPR) frameworks for solar panel recycling to ensure accountability and traceability.
Gan et al. (2023)
A life cycle assessment showed the GHG emissions embedded in U.S. solar PV supply chains, highlighting the climate benefits of extending module life through reuse and recycling
Mao et al. (2024)
This case study demonstrated that upcycling and downcycling end-of-life PV panels both yield net negative GHG emissions compared to landfilling.
Faircloth et al. (2019)
Analysis of photovoltaic waste management in Thailand showed material recovery through recycling can offset thousands of kilograms of CO₂e compared to disposal
California Product Stewardship Council (2024)
Progress report summarizing statewide reuse and recycling pilot outcomes, demonstrating strong market demand for repurposed panels and the environmental benefits of reuse.

OTHER 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.

Type of Org	Name of Organization	Website	Available Resources
Renewable Energy Company	NextEra Energy Resources
Solar Energy	EDP Renewables North America
Energy Institute	Edison Electric Institute
Energy Business	NRG Energy
Government Agency	California Public Utilities Commission
Energy Agency	California Air Resources Board
Utilities	American Clean Power Association
Utilities	Clean Energy Buyers Association
PV Disposal	We Recycle Solar
Energy Research	Renewable & Appropriate Energy Laboratory (RAEL)
Energy Institution	UC Santa Barbara Institute for Energy Efficiency
National Research Laboratory	National Research Energy Laboratory
Clean Energy Business	California Solar Storage Association
Solar Energy Industry	Solar Energy Industries Association

Below is a selection of videos and past presentations focused on solar panel reuse, repair, and recycling, all free for use in educational settings These resources are designed to educate audiences about sustainable practices and the importance of responsible solar panel management. Additionally, CPSC offers guest lectures for a more interactive learning experience. If you're interested in utilizing these materials, be sure to inquire about eligibility for free access in grant areas to support your educational efforts.

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

NAHMMA Conference Session - Piloting Solar Panel Recycling in California

Request guest lecture from CPSC

Solar Panel Recovery 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.