Solar energy is a key renewable energy source in our tool belt
for tackling climate change. In the coming years of increased
solar projects, it’s time to deal with solar site waste to improve
solar energy installation sustainability. The scope of solar
installer responsibility is moving beyond the act of solar
installation into a broader picture of business sustainability. As
Environmental, Sustainability, Governance (ESG) accountability
tightens, solar site waste management and the old model of
landfilling site waste is becoming a thing of the past. Solar
waste experts foresee that global market pressures and solar
waste volatility will continue to grow. Waste-conscious
practices on solar sites will become standard operating
procedures for those who wish to remain competitive in their
industry.
This is why we have developed a comprehensive approach for
solar installation site decision-makers as a method to become
better at managing waste. There is currently no one-size-fits-all
approach to solar waste management, as every site is different.
However, there is a general schematic that any solar site
manager can overlay their particular set of goals, challenges,
assets, and demands. This report will highlight future solar
waste projections, the increased demand for better waste
practices, and the solutions for delivering a more sustainable
solar project that includes a better waste management
framework.
“Waste from end-of-life solar panels presents opportunities to recover valuable materials
and create jobs through recycling.”
- Environmental Protection Agency, Solar Panel Recycling