New Jersey Approves Solar Panel Recycling Permit for CSPR

Pioneering Solar Panel Recycling in New Jersey

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has granted its first-ever Research, Development & Demonstration (RD&D) Project permit to Commercial Solar Panel Recycling (CSPR). This significant step marks the state’s commitment to sustainable solar panel management. The permit allows CSPR to process non-hazardous end-of-life solar panels at its Phillipsburg facility. The initiative aims to recover valuable materials like aluminum, glass, and silicon, reducing waste and supporting New Jersey’s circular economy.

CSPR’s Role in Solar Panel Recycling

CSPR, based in Phillipsburg, is the first company in New Jersey to receive approval for solar panel recycling under the RD&D permit. According to co-founder Glenn Laga, this achievement is not only important for the company but also for New Jersey’s renewable energy transition. By recovering materials from old panels, CSPR is actively addressing the growing issue of solar panel waste. Furthermore, this initiative promotes the circular economy by reusing valuable materials. In addition, the project will help reduce landfill waste. As a result, it will create new jobs in the emerging green industry. Ultimately, this effort represents a significant step forward in sustainable waste management and environmental responsibility.

Regulatory Framework for Solar Recycling

The RD&D permit sets a regulatory framework for solar panel recycling in New Jersey. It governs the management of non-hazardous materials, with limits on CSPR’s intake (100 tons per day). CSPR must track each panel’s origin and transport and submit semiannual reports on its recycling activities. These requirements aim to ensure transparency and accountability, streamlining the recycling process for materials that are not classified as hazardous waste.

New Jersey’s Renewable Energy Commitment

New Jersey continues to lead in renewable energy and is now focusing on solar panel recycling. NJDEP Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette highlighted that the permit is just the beginning of the state’s efforts to create sustainable systems for handling end-of-life solar panels. The initiative aligns with Senate Bill 3399, which mandates solar and photovoltaic system recycling. These steps are crucial for achieving the state’s long-term renewable energy and waste management goals.

CSPR Expands Nationwide

CSPR’s 35,000-square-foot processing facility in Phillipsburg sets the stage for more cutting-edge technologies to minimize environmental impact. The company also operates additional facilities in Atwater, California, Somerset, Kentucky, Temple, Texas, and Mankato, Minnesota. This national presence cements CSPR’s role as a leader in the solar panel recycling sector, supporting the growth of a circular economy and sustainable waste management practices.