Solving Solar: How Past Policy Collides With Future Technology

Abstract

This Comment discusses the importance of developing a solar waste management plan. Specifically, this Comment presents the argument that the United States should not create a large federal regulatory framework that includes expansive subsidies for solar panel recycling, but instead should invest in solar recycling technologies that offer solar recyclers the opportunity to profitably recycle junk panels. Ultimately, the federal government’s role should be limited to one of investment and support as states craft solar waste management systems that work for them.
 In support of this argument, this Comment explores the history and future of solar panel development, the current state of solar production and recycling, and the magnitude of the threat solar waste presents. Additionally, this Comment discusses how nations outside the United States are addressing the solar waste problem, the advent of new solar recycling technologies, how Congress may adapt the existing Resource Conservation and Recovery Act to include solar panels and encourage recycling of junk panels, the success story of lead-acid battery recycling, and what the solar recycling network of the future may look like.
 Ultimately, this Comment concludes that given recent advancements in recycling technology, with proper planning, encouragement, and investment from both state and federal governments, the private sector will be incentivized to recycle used solar panels without burdensome government intervention while sustaining a profitable business. Such a result will create a truly clean and renewable source of energy and relieve American taxpayers from bearing the cost of expensive solar recycling subsidy programs.