UtahUtah sets future testing and landfill rules for solar panel waste
Starting in 2028, Utah may require tests before certain solar panels are disposed of, while solar businesses help fund a state recycling study.
What it does
Starting July 1, 2028, the state may require testing before certain damaged or landfilled solar panels are disposed of. Owners must follow disposal rules if a test finds hazardous waste.
Starting July 1, 2028, solar panel waste may go into a landfill only if the site is registered or the waste is shown to be nonhazardous. Operators must keep records and provide them when asked.
The state charges certain small-scale solar sellers fees for systems installed from January 1, 2026, and renewable energy companies capacity-based assessments in 2027 and 2028. Spending from the waste account depends on legislative approval.
Argument forTesting and limits on landfill disposal could help keep hazardous panel waste out of ordinary landfills and support safer recycling.
Argument againstOwners could face testing and disposal costs, while solar businesses and renewable energy companies may have to pay fees or assessments.
More detail
Beginning July 1, 2028, the division may require a solar panel owner or operator to test certain panels before disposal. The rules cover panels rated to generate at least 200 watts and designed for long-term residential, commercial, or utility use. The division may require testing if a panel is damaged beyond repair or reuse, or will be disposed of in a landfill. If a test finds hazardous waste, the owner or operator must dispose of it under this part and board rules. The division may require testing beginning July 1, 2028.
Beginning July 1, 2028, a person may dispose of solar panel waste in a landfill only under specified conditions. The restriction covers solar panel waste placed in any landfill, including one operated by a municipality, county, state subdivision, or another entity. The landfill must be registered as a solar panel waste disposal site, unless the person can show the waste is not hazardous. Landfill and recycling facility operators must keep records and provide them to the division upon request. The landfill disposal restriction begins July 1, 2028.
The division charges certain small-scale solar sellers a fee, and renewable energy parent entities pay annual assessments to fund solar waste work. Small-scale solar entities are sellers of systems under 20 megawatts. Assessments apply to renewable energy parent entities with eligible facilities operating in Utah. For systems installed on or after January 1, 2026, the fee is $10 for a system of 2 megawatts or less, or $500 for a system between 2 and 20 megawatts; the division may collect it no more than once in 2026 and once in 2027. Renewable energy parent entities with qualifying operating facilities pay assessments based on capacity, ranging from $2,500 to $20,000 each year. Money in the restricted account may be spent only if the Legislature appropriates it. The system fee applies to installations on or after January 1, 2026, and may be collected no more than once in each of 2026 and 2027. The annual company assessment runs from January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2028.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Mar 25Governor Spencer Cox SignedBecame Law
- Mar 12House/ to GovernorTo Governor
- Mar 12House/ received enrolled bill from PrintingMinor
- Mar 11House/ enrolled bill to Printing
- Mar 11Enrolled Bill Returned to House or SenateMinor
- Mar 6Draft of Enrolled Bill Prepared
- Mar 6Bill Received from House for EnrollingMinor
- Mar 6House/ signed by Speaker/ sent for enrollingMajor
- Mar 6House/ received from SenateMinor
- Mar 5Senate/ to House
- Vote recorded Senate/ passed 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspension. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 5Senate/ signed by President/ returned to HouseMajor
- Mar 5Senate/ passed 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspensionPassed Senate
- Mar 5Senate/ uncircled
- Mar 5Senate/ circled
- Mar 5Senate/ 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspensionMinor
- Mar 5Senate/ Rules to 2nd Reading Calendar
- Mar 5Senate/ 2nd Reading Calendar to Rules [Senate Rules Committee]Minor
- Mar 3Senate/ placed on 2nd Reading Calendar
- Mar 3Senate/ committee report favorable [Senate Business and Labor Committee]Minor
- Mar 3Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation [Senate Business and Labor Committee]Minor
- Feb 27Senate/ to standing committee [Senate Business and Labor Committee]Minor
- Feb 26Senate/ 1st reading (Introduced)Minor
- Feb 25Senate/ received from HouseMinor
- Vote recorded House/ passed 3rd reading. Result: pass.Lower
- Feb 25House/ to Senate
- Feb 25House/ passed 3rd readingPassed House
- Feb 25House/ floor amendment
- Feb 25House/ 3rd readingMinor
- Feb 23LFA/ fiscal note publicly available for HB0323S02
- Feb 23LFA/ fiscal note sent to sponsor for HB0323S02
- Feb 20House/ 2nd readingMinor
- Feb 20House/ comm rpt/ substituted [House Public Utilities and Energy Committee]
- Feb 19House Comm - Favorable Recommendation [House Public Utilities and Energy Committee]Minor
- Feb 19House Comm - Substitute Recommendation [House Public Utilities and Energy Committee]Major
- Feb 19LFA/ bill sent to agencies for fiscal input for HB0323S02
- Feb 19LFA/ bill assigned to staff for fiscal analysis for HB0323S02
- Feb 18House/ to standing committee [House Public Utilities and Energy Committee]Minor
- Feb 18Bill Substituted by Sponsor in House Rules Comm [House Rules Committee]Major
- Feb 17LFA/ fiscal note publicly available for HB0323S01
- Feb 17LFA/ fiscal note sent to sponsor for HB0323S01
- Feb 17LFA/ fiscal note sent to sponsor for HB0323S01
- Feb 16LFA/ fiscal note sent to sponsor for HB0323S01
- Feb 11LFA/ bill sent to agencies for fiscal input for HB0323S01
- Feb 11LFA/ bill assigned to staff for fiscal analysis for HB0323S01
- Jan 26LFA/ fiscal note sent to sponsor for HB0323
- Jan 23House/ 1st reading (Introduced)Minor
- Jan 23House/ received bill from Legislative ResearchMinor
- Jan 22LFA/ bill sent to agencies for fiscal input for HB0323
- Jan 22LFA/ bill assigned to staff for fiscal analysis for HB0323
- Jan 22Numbered Bill Publicly Distributed
- Jan 22Bill Numbered but not DistributedIntroduced
Environment & Energy