Solar Panel Reuse
When solar installations surged 10-15 years ago, homeowners focused on financial savings and cleaning up their energy use. One question now emerging for those early adopters is what to do when you need a new roof. Do you re-install the older system or buy a new, higher efficiency system? Solar installations typically outlast the roofs they were installed on; for example solar panels now have a 40+ year lifespan vs. the typical 20+ year roof lifespan. Because of this, we now have a surplus of high-quality, pre-owned solar equipment. This has opened up an exciting new market for 'second-life' solar, providing affordable energy solutions for those who don't need a full-scale residential array. A pilot program of the California Product Stewardship Council (CPSC) is addressing this problem by showcasing creative applications for used solar panels.
Although solar panels are nearly 100% recyclable at scale, California State laws limit our ability to do so. It’s best to keep solar panels out of landfills as long as possible. They can be fire hazards if they are exposed to sunlight and continue generating power. And they contain valuable rare materials, which should not go to waste. All components of solar panels (aluminum frame, glass cover, solar cell material) are recyclable if diverted to specialized recyclers, but they are currently classified as hazardous waste in California and stringent regulations make them expensive to recycle. A bill currently before the state legislature (AB864) proposes reclassifying solar panels to universal waste, which would allow more entities to collect and transport them and enable cross-state-line transfer to recycling facilities. This reclassification makes sense because solar panels are not actively hazardous when intact.
But, as is often the case, reuse trumps recycling. The most practical reuse for used solar panels, which can often be obtained for free, is to generate power for small scale, agricultural projects, such as water pumps, electric fences or field monitoring systems, where often one or two panels will suffice. They can also generate power for battery-powered portable systems in RVs, campgrounds, and in your own backyard, hanging from a balcony railing, or used as “blinds” for outdoor storage.
"Solar energy already wins on cost and climate impact. The next step is completing the circle: repurposing the phased-out technology to provide reusable, recycled or upcycled products. Exciting stuff!" says Amy Atchley, Owner of Amy’s Roofing and Solar.
Amy Atchley of Amy’s Roofing + Solar demonstrating the Solar Panel Desk.
Reuse Alliance has collaborated with the CPSC on two case studies reusing solar panels. The first year we produced a technical guide for connecting used panels to a portable battery bank. This year we produced a sit-stand desk, in collaboration with Amy’s Roofing and Solar in Petaluma. A used solar panel was mounted onto a free desk base (sourced on Craigslist). Its bluish glass surface, with its handsome grid, is easy to clean with soap and water and is now in use at the Reuse Hub in Petaluma. Both case studies can be downloaded as PDFs from the Reuse Alliance website under Repurpose Resources.
Heath Massey, Reuse News Editor, with many thanks to Amy Atchley for her contributions.
Resources and Actions for Used Solar Panels:
If you live in CA, ask your state representatives to support AB864
Download solar panel reuse case studies from the Reuse Alliance website or watch this how to video!
Recycle your used solar panels with one of these recyclers: Bay Area E-Waste and Solar Recycling Center or Fabtech
Visit our Upcoming Events Page for details, to pre-register, or to volunteer.
On the Upcoming Events page you’ll find a full list of our upcoming Repair Fairs and other community events including details on location, how to pre-register and how to get involved. Click here to sign up to volunteer at an event.
Sat May 2 : Mill Valley Repair Fair, Book + Clothing Swap : 1pm - 4pm : The Mill Valley Library
Sat May 16 : Sonoma Repair Fair + Clothing Swap : 10am - 1pm : Sonoma Community Center
Sat May 30 : San Anselmo Repair Fair + Craft Supply Swap : 1pm - 4pm : San Anselmo Town Hall
Join us at the Reuse Hub for our May Community Event! Bring containers to trade, upcycle and fill!
Did you know we are also now selling secondhand sewing supplies at the Reuse Hub? Come shop our selection of fabric, thread and more.
Donations accepted as well. Read our guidelines here.
Upcoming Workshops at the Reuse Hub (visit our workshops page for more details)
Inner Thigh Pants Repair on a Sewing Machine : Saturday May 2nd @ 1:00pm
Miniature Modding Wasteland Cars : Friday May 22nd - 5:00pm
Lamp Repair 101 : Saturday June 6th - 1:00pm
Bike Repair 101: Frame, Cockpit, Tires, and Wheels : Sunday June 7th - 1:00pm
Other Opportunities
May 3 : Come see us at 2026 Future Fest in Petaluma.
May 5 : Q2 Creative Reuse Center Roundtable at 10am PST / 1pm EST.
May 7 : Registration is now live for the North Bay Zero Waste Symposium.
May 15 : Speaker Proposals due for the Build Reuse Conference happening Nov 18-19 in Phoenix, AZ.
May 27 : Applications due for the .ORG Impact Awards.
We’re hiring.
Want to join a fun team of people working to expand the reuse economy?
Details here.
Did you know you can become a member of the Reuse Hub? Support our work, access benefits, and be a part of the reuse revolution. Details here.
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