If you’re considering solar—or already have solar on your roof—there’s an important change coming to Alberta’s solar industry.
Starting October 1, 2026, Alberta is launching a provincial solar panel recycling program and introducing a $14 environmental fee on each eligible new solar panel supplied in Alberta.
Why the new fee?
Solar panels don’t last forever, and Alberta is planning ahead for what happens to them when they eventually reach the end of their useful life.
The province estimates that more than 95% of the solar panels currently installed in Alberta could reach end-of-life by 2045, creating up to approximately 72,700 tonnes of material. Rather than sending these panels to landfills, the new program is designed to support their collection, transportation, reuse and recycling.
Solar panels contain valuable materials including glass, aluminum, silicon, copper and silver that can potentially be recovered and used again. The goal is to keep these materials in the economy, reduce future landfill waste and help build Alberta's recycling infrastructure and circular economy.
What happened to old panels before this program?
Until now, Alberta has not had a formal province-wide solar panel recycling program. ARMA has been working with industry through a solar panel recycling pilot, collecting and testing panels to better understand how they can be reused and recycled.
The pilot sorted more than 3,400 panels and helped identify challenges around testing, transportation, storage and separating the different materials within a panel. ARMA found that panels can have a potential lifespan of 20–30 years, and that many panels gradually lose efficiency rather than simply stopping work.
Beginning October 1, end-of-life panel collection will become part of the new provincial program, with further work planned to develop reuse opportunities and local recycling capacity.
What does a 25-year panel warranty actually mean?
A 25-year warranty does NOT mean your solar panels become unusable or must be removed after 25 years.
A warranty generally guarantees a certain level of performance for a specified period. Solar panels can continue producing electricity beyond their warranty period, although their output may gradually decline over time.
In other words, 25 years is not an automatic expiration date. The decision to repair, continue operating, replace, reuse or recycle a panel depends on its condition, performance, safety and the economics of the system.
What does the $14 fee mean for solar customers?
The fee is per panel—not per solar system or per watt.
For example:
- 10 panels = $140
- 20 panels = $280
- 30 panels = $420
The fee applies to eligible new panels supplied in Alberta from October 1, 2026 onward.
There is no retroactive recycling fee on panels that are already installed.
For customers planning a new solar installation, this means the recycling fee will become another component of the overall project cost. The fee is intended to fund the future collection and recycling of panels rather than leaving future municipalities and taxpayers to deal with the cost.
Looking at the bigger picture
Solar is about more than producing clean electricity today. Responsible solar means thinking about the entire life cycle of the equipment—from installation and operation to eventual reuse or recycling.
Putting a recycling system in place now gives Alberta time to build the infrastructure needed before today's growing number of solar installations begin reaching end-of-life in significant numbers.
Have questions about your solar project?
Sirrom Wiring is here to help.
If you're considering solar, we'll help you understand how the new recycling fee may affect your project and make sure it's accounted for when preparing your estimate.
Already have solar? Don't assume your panels need to be replaced just because they're approaching 25 years old. We can help you assess your system and discuss your options when the time comes.
For official information about Alberta's solar recycling program, visit the Alberta Recycling Management Authority and Government of Alberta solar panel recycling information. Alberta Recycling Management Authority
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References & More Information
Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA)
Electronics Recycling Program (Renewables) – Solar Panel Updates — program launch, $14 environmental fee, eligible panels and implementation dates. Alberta Recycling Management Authority
Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA)
Solar Panel Research & Development — information about Alberta’s solar recycling pilot, 3,400+ panels tested, panel lifespan, recyclability and end-of-life considerations. Alberta Recycling Management Authority
Government of Alberta
Solar Panel Reuse and Recycling Engagement — Alberta’s approach to responsible end-of-life management and the move toward a circular economy. Government of Alberta
Government of Alberta
Extended Producer Responsibility — information about Alberta’s broader recycling framework. Government of Alberta
Alberta Recycling Management Authority
ARMA Supplier & Stewardship Resources — registration, fee and program information for solar panel suppliers. Alberta Recycling Management Authority
Alberta Recycling Management Authority – Solar Panel Updates
Government of Alberta – Solar Panel Reuse & Recycling