Key Takeaways

  • Most residential panels carry ~25-year performance warranties and often still produce 70–90% of original output after 25 years (according to current market figures).
  • Removal and decommissioning typically cost $500–$3,000; recycling fees vary widely, commonly $20–$100 per panel but some programs accept panels free.
  • Homeowners must handle safety, permits, utility notifications, and disposal/recycling compliance; planning 30–90 days before replacement avoids delays.

What You Need to Know

Most solar modules are durable but not immortal. Typical manufacturer performance warranties are 25 years and annual degradation rates are commonly ~0.3–0.8% per year, leaving roughly 80–90% of nameplate output after 25 years, depending on climate and maintenance. A typical U.S. rooftop system (around 6 kW) produces roughly 7,000–9,000 kWh/year depending on location and tilt — numbers you should compare to current system output to decide retirement timing.

End-of-life choices fall into four categories: reuse (resell or redeploy), refurbish, recycle, or landfill disposal. Availability of manufacturer take-back programs and state recycling initiatives varies by state; some states and manufacturers offer subsidies or free take-back while others charge fees. Recycling processes recover aluminum frames, glass, and sometimes silicon and silver; recovery rates and costs differ by facility.

Homeowners are responsible for safe disconnection, permitting for removal, and following local waste and e-waste laws. Utilities typically require notification and possibly an inspection to remove an interconnection or net-metering agreement. Removing panels yourself is risky; certified installers or electricians ensure safe disconnection from inverters and grid ties.

How to Save Money

  1. Assess before replacing: Have a certified installer test output and do a cost-benefit analysis. If panels still produce >75% of rated output, partial replacement or inverter upgrade might extend system life for $1,000–$3,000 instead of full replacement.
  2. Compare removal bids: Removal/decommissioning bids can vary. Get 3 quotes; expect $500–$3,000 depending on roof difficulty and system size. Some installers waive removal when they supply new panels.
  3. Use take-back or state programs: Search for manufacturer take-back options and state recycling programs. According to current market figures, recycling fees often run $20–$100/panel; some programs accept panels free or offer rebates that offset removal costs.
  4. Sell or donate working panels: Functional used panels can sell for a few dollars per watt on secondary markets or be donated to community projects, potentially returning $200–$1,200 for a small residential string depending on condition and age.
  5. Salvage value: Aluminum racks, microinverters, and wiring may have resale or scrap value. Salvage can reduce net disposal cost by $50–$300.
  6. Plan timing: Schedule removal 30–90 days before new installation. Recycling centers often process shipments in 2–8 weeks; factor that into scheduling to avoid storage fees or prolonged exposure on the roof.

Practical tips while arranging retirement: document serial numbers and warranties, label disconnected circuits, request a written decommissioning plan from the installer, and keep receipts for potential tax or incentive documentation.

Bottom Line

Retiring solar panels requires planning: confirm true end-of-life with output testing, secure proper permits and utility notifications, and compare removal and recycling options. Costs typically range from $500 to $3,000 for removal and $20–$100 per panel for recycling unless a manufacturer or state program covers it. Reuse, resale, and salvage can offset costs. With 30–90 days of planning and 2–8 weeks for recycling logistics, homeowners can retire systems safely, comply with local rules, and reduce landfill waste while minimizing net cost.