The usual lifespan of a solar farm is 35 – 45 years. At the end of the lease, the solar panels will either be replaced with new technology, or the solar farm will be decommissioned. The land is returned to its original state and the old solar technology is recycled.
The decommissioning process is (in reverse order):
- The solar facility is disconnected from the utility power grid.
- Photovoltaic panels are disconnected, collected, and either shipped to another project, salvaged, or recycled.
- Electrical interconnection and distribution cables are removed and recycled.
- Photovoltaic panel racks are removed and recycled.
- Electrical and electronic devices are removed and recycled.
There are no permanent changes to the site.