A Circular Economy Approach to Solar Photovoltaics in Maryland

Kennedy, K.M., S.M. Chintapalli, B. Phelps, S. Vo, S. Smith, S. Thon, and N. Hultman (2024). “A Circular Economy Approach to Solar Photovoltaics in Maryland.” Center for Global Sustainability, University of Maryland, Ralph O’Connor Sustainable Energy Institute, Johns Hopkins University. 54 pp.

• Increase Stakeholder Engagement: Maryland should broaden stakeholder engagement with groups such as solar recyclers, installers, homeowners, community and commercial solar operators, and local governments to better inform EoL solar policy. Increased collaboration, especially with residential solar and local sustainability offices, would improve data collection on the PV waste stream, recycling rates, and EoL costs.
• Pursue a Regional Approach: Maryland can coordinate with nearby states to address EoL solar challenges, as near-term, in-state volumes may not justify a dedicated recycling center. A regional strategy could enhance compliance with landfill bans and support shared recycling facilities, potentially in North Carolina or Virginia.
• Implement a Landfill Ban with Incentives: To curb out-of-state landfilling of EoL solar panels, Maryland should consider a landfill ban paired with financial incentives that favor reuse, remanufacturing, and recycling. In the short term, the state can support e-waste recyclers to manage solar panels, while developing cost-effective, long-term transport options to regional facilities.
• Address Immediate Needs: The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) can bridge current policy gaps by guiding residential, commercial, and community solar owners on EoL options, while helping county landfills and existing recyclers manage solar panel disposal requests until a comprehensive state policy is established.
• Support Electronics Recyclers: Maryland could expand its recycling capacity by providing financial and technical assistance to existing e-waste recyclers certified under R2 standards. This interim support would enable recyclers to handle EoL solar waste streams more effectively.
• Leverage Workforce Development Synergies: Maryland should integrate EoL management skills into solar workforce training programs, including reuse and circular economy practices. This will prepare the workforce to manage future solar EoL challenges as the renewable energy sector grows.
• Embed the Waste Hierarchy: Maryland should promote the reuse of solar panels as a primary option, with landfilling as a last resort. Establishing a reuse market, which could help make solar accessible to a wider consumer base, requires testing and recertification processes to ensure consumers are getting reliable and economically viable energy resources.
• Revisit Policies Annually: With rapid advancements in solar technology and EoL options, Maryland should review and adjust its EoL policies annually. Adaptable approaches will help the state stay aligned with evolving federal standards and industry practices, fostering a resilient solar recycling framework.