Decommissioning

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Decommissioning

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What is decommissioning?

Decommissioning is the process of safely removing a solar project at the end of its life and returning the land to a stable, usable condition. This includes taking down equipment, recycling materials, and restoring vegetation. When large-scale solar projects reach the end of their operational life or land leases expire, key questions focus on who is responsible for this process and how the costs of removal, recycling, and land restoration will be covered.

FAQs

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Construction workers next to solar panels

Decommissioning FAQ

What happens at a solar project’s end-of-life?

Most land-leasing agreements for large-scale solar projects run 20–30 years, often with an optional 10-year extension. When the contract ends, two outcomes are possible: repowering or decommissioning.

Repowering means replacing solar panels while reusing existing infrastructure such as racking and cabling. Decommissioning involves removing the system and restoring the site according to project agreements and regulatory requirements.

More information on end-of-life options is available in the Center for Rural Affairs Decommissioning Solar Energy Systems Resource Guide.

How are solar and wind energy projects decommissioned?

When submitting a CPCN, applicants for solar and wind energy projects are required to outline how the facility will be decommissioned at the end of its lifespan. Applicants describe expected timelines, actions required to perform decommissioning, and site restoration plans.

For solar projects, a preliminary decommissioning plan is often included as an attachment to a project application. A more detailed plan can also be negotiated through a Joint Development Agreement.

For wind energy projects, applicants are also required to outline project decommissioning as part of the CPCN application process.

Are there state standards for decommissioning?

State legislation does not include specific standards for decommissioning solar energy systems, so solar decommissioning plans are evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the Public Service Commission (PSC).

For wind energy systems, PSC 128.19 sets standards for decommissioning and site restoration requirements, which can be referred to for further details on state law requirements for wind energy generating systems.

To view the PSC’s Application Filing Requirements for Solar Energy Projects: AFR Solar
To view the PSC’s Application Filing Requirements for Wind Energy Projects: AFR Wind

Projects Over 100 MW

Developers must meet the PSC’s Solar Energy Projects Application Filing Requirements, which include: Providing decommissioning cost estimates, demonstrating how land will be restored to agricultural use, describing equipment removal and material disposal. Learn more about Solar Land Leasing Contracts page by RESET for additional guidance.

Projects Under 100 MW

Local governments can require a plan for decommissioning and financial assurance for utility‑scale renewable projects through ordinances or permitting as part of a conditional use permit (CUP). Consult RESET’s Green County Report for more information on what a complete decommissioning plan typically includes.