What Should Alberta Do With Old Solar Panels?

Official title: Solar panel reuse and recycling engagement

Closed Policy & Studies Environment & Climate Natural Resources
Alberta is figuring out how to handle solar panels when they wear out. Right now, there's no clear plan for recycling them, and they could end up in landfills. The government gathered input from industry and Indigenous communities to shape future recycling policies.

Why This Matters

Got solar panels on your roof? They'll need replacing in 20-30 years. Without proper recycling, they'll end up in landfills—along with valuable materials that could be recovered. This affects anyone investing in renewable energy in Alberta.

What Could Change

Alberta may create a formal recycling program for solar panels, similar to what exists for electronics. Manufacturers could be required to take back old panels. New regulations might set standards for how panels are dismantled and recycled.

Key Issues

  • How should Alberta manage solar panels at end-of-life?
  • What policies would support solar panel reuse and recycling?
  • What are the current challenges for recycling solar panels in Alberta?

What Happened

The government collected input from stakeholders and Indigenous communities through meetings and written submissions. This feedback will inform recommendations on policy options and programs to support solar panel reuse and recycling.