JP Solar Panel Recycling Mandate (Scheduled Introduction in 2026)
ENFORCEMENT TIMELINE
Scheduled to take effect in fiscal 2026 (legislation being prepared under the Act on Special Measures Concerning Renewable Energy and the Act on the Promotion of Effective Utilization of Resources, among others)
Overview
This is a recycling mandate being developed jointly by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of the Environment to address the anticipated surge in discarded solar power equipment (solar panels and PV modules) expected to peak in the late 2030s. Building on the mandatory decommissioning and removal reserve fund for power generation businesses introduced in 2022, the framework will require relevant businesses to properly dispose of removed panels and recycle materials, including advanced recovery of glass, silver, silicon, and aluminum frames.
Enforcement Timeline
July 1, 2022: The mandatory reserve fund system for the cost of decommissioning solar power equipment begins under the Act on Special Measures Concerning Renewable Energy.
2024 to 2025: Technical standards for advanced solar panel recycling and a legislative framework clarifying the responsibilities of manufacturers, decommissioning contractors, and other businesses are under deliberation.
Fiscal 2026 (planned): The law mandating recycling and proper treatment of used solar panels takes full effect.
Business Impact
Solar panel manufacturers, power generation businesses, decommissioning contractors, and waste treatment businesses will be required, in principle, to avoid landfilling used panels and instead deliver them to certified recycling facilities for shredding, sorting, and recovery of valuable materials. Properly managing hazardous substances such as lead and cadmium to prevent leaching, along with maintaining reserve funds for recycling costs and manifest management, will be key compliance requirements.