The Washington Legislature's House Environment & Energy Committee convened on March 20, 2025, to discuss critical updates regarding the recycling and management of solar panels in the state. A significant focus of the meeting was Senate Bill 5175, which proposes to delay the implementation of existing recycling obligations for manufacturers of photovoltaic (PV) modules.

Under current law, manufacturers are required to submit a recycling plan to the Department of Ecology by July 2024, with a sales prohibition on non-compliant panels set to begin in July 2025. However, only one manufacturer is expected to meet this deadline, raising concerns about potential disruptions in the solar industry. The proposed bill would extend the deadline for plan submissions to February 2026 and push back the sales prohibition to February 2027, allowing manufacturers more time to comply.

Peter Lyon, from the Department of Ecology, emphasized the need for this extension, noting that the current timeline could lead to increased costs and reduced availability of solar panels, adversely affecting small businesses and installers in Washington. Lyon highlighted that the delay would facilitate the development of a robust stewardship program for solar panels, ensuring a sustainable approach to recycling.

Nora Hawkins, a senior energy policy specialist at the Department of Commerce, echoed these concerns, warning that without the extension, the state could jeopardize a $156 million federal solar grant aimed at increasing solar energy access for low-income households. She stressed the importance of expanding solar capacity to meet Washington's greenhouse gas emission limits.

The committee also discussed the challenges faced in implementing the existing law, particularly the lack of data on manufacturers and sales. This gap in information complicates compliance and enforcement efforts, as many manufacturers may choose to stop selling in Washington rather than adhere to the recycling requirements.

The meeting concluded with a call for collaboration among stakeholders to gather necessary data and develop a comprehensive stewardship program. The proposed bill aims to balance environmental responsibilities with the practical needs of the solar industry, ensuring that Washington can continue to expand its renewable energy resources while addressing end-of-life management for solar panels.