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HB 5136

AN ACT ESTABLISHING AN EXTENDED PRODUCER RESPONSIBILITY PROGRAM FOR SOLAR PANELS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Christie Carpino

Connecticut requires solar panel manufacturers to fund collection and recycling of end-of-life panels through an extended producer responsibility program.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Environment
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Bill Summary · HB 5136

Legislative bill overview

HB 5136 establishes an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program for solar panels in Connecticut, shifting end-of-life management costs from municipalities to manufacturers. The program requires solar panel producers to fund collection, transportation, and recycling or proper disposal of used panels at end-of-life.

Why is this important

Solar panel installations are expanding rapidly in Connecticut, but panels typically last 25-30 years, meaning large volumes will reach end-of-life over the next decade. Without a structured program, panels could end up in landfills or create informal disposal challenges. An EPR program incentivizes manufacturers to design more recyclable products and establishes funding mechanisms for proper handling.

Potential points of contention

  • Manufacturer costs and market impact: Producers may pass EPR program costs to consumers through higher panel prices, potentially slowing solar adoption rates that Connecticut is trying to encourage
  • Program administration and fees: Questions about whether the state or a third-party administrator manages the program, how producer fees are calculated fairly, and whether fees are proportional to different panel types and manufacturing origins
  • Scope and fairness: Unclear whether the program covers imported panels already in use, panels installed before the law's effective date, and whether all manufacturers (domestic and international) are equally regulated

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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