Solar Construction Companies Adopt Best Practices in Recycling

Solar utility construction companies are including recycling practices to improve their revenue stream and reduce their carbon footprint.

FREMONT, CA: Solar companies are increasingly aware that waste reduction is vital to becoming truly sustainable. Companies focus on recycling panels at the end of their lifespan. Solar construction sites are an often overlooked opportunity in the solar life cycle, even though it is essential in the process.

According to research, about 1 to 5 percent of solar modules during construction produce damaged construction components. The damage to thousands of panels could cost tens of thousands of dollars at a utility-scale site. Small projects can generate a lot of waste. Most construction waste comprises cardboard, crates, wooden pallets, and other types of wooden waste. Firms need to adopt solar power construction waste through the following best practices.

Partner with manufacturers: Many manufacturers have given little thought to recycling and reusing, and others rely on nonexistent regulations. Solar companies should work with manufacturers to create recycling programs and buy back solar panels or give credit for next-generation panels. Manufacturing regulations need to require manufacturers to use recyclable materials and to reduce packaging in the spirit of reducing before recycling.

Plan ahead: Materials such as cardboard, plastic, metal, wood, and solar modules are identified by construction firms for recycling, repurposing, reusing, or selling to secondary markets. Utilities need to research and get bids from recyclers in their area.

Recycling and waste management requires specific planning by authorities: At the construction site, cardboard should be protected from rain and damp conditions so it can be delivered dry to the recycler. Toxicity Characteristics Leaching Procedure (TCLP) tests for hazardous materials on the waste that cannot be recycled according to EPA guidelines.

Invest in environmental stewardship while creating jobs for the community: Despite tax benefits and revenue generated by utility-scale solar projects, some communities are concerned about the waste generated by these projects and can assist in recycling.

Assign a dedicated team to deal with waste: Waste reduction should be a part of the company's sustainability strategy to ensure efficient processes. Best practices for sustainable solar development emphasize waste reduction as a key pillar. It involves designing solar panels to produce the most power per square foot while having the least impact on the land, creating pollinator habitats so soil health is improved and the land can return to fertile farming, and partnering with eco-friendly manufacturers.