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AB 493

Relating to: authorizing community solar programs and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Barbara Dittrich and 10 co-sponsors

Requires end-of-life plans for leased solar PV systems with at least 90% material recovery, plus annual recycler reports and decommissioning details for utility-scale solar.

Referred to committee on Rules
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · AB 493

AB 493 — Summary (BDR 40-424)

Status: Enacted (Chaptered). Introduced: Feb 10, 2025.

Purpose

AB 493 updates Nevada law to require end‑of‑life planning, reporting, and minimum recovery standards for certain solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and recyclers. The bill declares a policy preference for reuse/repair/repurposing before disposal and creates new planning and reporting duties intended to improve recycling outcomes and site decommissioning for distributed generation and certain utility‑scale solar projects.

Key provisions

  • Disposal / end‑of‑life plan for leased distributed generation systems

    • Owners of a distributed generation system that is leased to a customer, or from which a customer purchases the output, must file with the Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP Division) a written plan for disposition at end of useful life.
    • The plan must prioritize reuse/refurbishment/recycling of PV panels, identify the party responsible for disposal, describe methods for recycling/refurbishing/reuse, and state the percentage rate of material recovery in weight for panels to be recycled.
    • Minimum recovery standard: generally not less than 90% material recovery by weight for PV panels (the State Environmental Commission may adopt alternate measurement methods by regulation).
    • Lease agreements for distributed generation systems must disclose the lessor’s obligations regarding disposition consistent with the filed plan.

  • Reporting by recyclers

    • Each facility that recycles distributed generation systems, utility‑scale solar projects, or components must submit an annual report (form prescribed by the Division) by March 1 reporting:
    • Total volume/tonnage of materials received;
    • Total volume/tonnage recycled; and
    • Recovery rates of materials recycled in Nevada.

  • Utility surplus asset retirement plans (utility‑scale solar)

    • For surplus utility‑scale solar assets, retirement plans filed with the Public Utilities Commission must include information on decommissioning and land restoration (e.g., decommissioning sequence, materials disposition, timeline, cost estimates, funding approach). The bill defines “utility‑scale solar project” in the Retirement Plan context.

  • Rulemaking

    • The State Environmental Commission is directed to adopt regulations to implement the plan and recovery requirements.

Who is affected

  • Owners and lessors of residential distributed generation systems (solar leases / PPA providers).
  • Solar installers, lessors, and companies that lease systems to customers.
  • Facilities that recycle solar PV modules or utility‑scale solar components (must report).
  • Electric utilities required to file surplus asset retirement plans.
  • NDEP (Division of Environmental Protection) and the State Environmental Commission (rulemaking and implementation).
  • Consumers and lessees (lease disclosures required).

Fiscal and procedural notes

  • The bill notes potential fiscal impacts on state and local government (implementation, oversight, and rulemaking obligations).
  • The State Environmental Commission must adopt implementing regulations; the law sets an explicit minimum recovery target (90% by weight) subject to regulatory alternatives.
  • Legislative history shows multiple amendments during committee review that removed earlier provisions concerning EV propulsion batteries and focused the measure on solar PV end‑of‑life management. The bill progressed through committee amendments, passed both houses, and was chaptered (enacted).

Stakeholder context

  • Earlier drafts contained detailed requirements for electric vehicle battery management; those battery provisions were later removed after stakeholder input. During hearings, NDEP and environmental and industry groups provided mixed comments—support for end‑of‑life planning and recycling, and requests for clearer definitions, safety standards, and robust rulemaking and reporting requirements.

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

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