Solar energy plays a vital role in the American energy portfolio, with utility-scale solar energy growing exponentially due to rapid technology improvements. Installed solar capacity in the U.S. is more than 100 gigawatts (GW) of power鈥攅nough to power 22 million homes.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, utility-scale solar deployment will need to grow at an accelerated pace鈥攁t least four times its current rate鈥攖o meet 40% of the nation鈥檚 electricity needs by 2035. This makes effective end-of-life management of solar panels, through safe disposal and recycling, a critical part of the energy transition.
Key Takeaways from this Fact Sheet:
- Low Risk: Solar panels present minimal risks to the environment or human health, even in the event of breakage.
- Recycling Potential: Advanced recycling technologies can currently recover more聽than 90% of the materials by weight in a typical solar panel, including valuable materials like glass and aluminum.
- Safe Disposal: Solar panels are primarily made of non-hazardous materials and can be safely disposed of in municipal landfills if panels pass the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) or are known to be non-hazardous through process knowledge.
- Extended Lifespan: Solar panels often continue to operate after their warranty period, allowing for reuse or refurbishment before recycling.
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