Should local governments plan ahead for solar decommissioning?

It is pru-dent for local governments to plan ahead for solar decommissioning and create ordinances that spell out expectations and obligations. This ensures that financial responsibility for decommissioning falls to the project owner and not the county and land- owners.

Can a solar project be decommissioned?

Often solar project permits define how a solar project is to be decommissioned. For an industry- suggested policy framework for decommissioning, including plan submittal, requirements, and financial security, please visit Renewable Energy Facility Decommissioning: Industry Recommendations. 1 IEA and IRENA. 2016.

Do utilities have a plan for decommissioning onshore wind & solar PV?

In some regions, it appears that utilities and regulators have not adequately planned for these costs, which will ultimately be borne by shareholders, ratepayers, or taxpayers. The costs of decommissioning onshore wind and solar PV appear to be modest, but existing accounting protocols may underestimate these costs.

How do you plan for solar decommissioning?

PLANNING FOR DECOMMISSIONING Decommissioning requirements can be set by states and counties. Landowners and developer agree-ments may set additional requirements. It is pru-dent for local governments to plan ahead for solar decommissioning and create ordinances that spell out expectations and obligations.

What happens if a solar project ends a performance period?

UNDERSTANDING SOLAR PROJECT END-OF-LIFE OPTIONS When solar projects reach the end of their expected performance period, there are several management options. They include extending the performance period through reuse, refurbishment, or repowering of the facility or fully discontinuing operations and decommissioning the project.

How do regulated utilities recover costs associated with decommissioning power plants?

In cost-of-service regions, regulated utilities typically recover the costs associated with decommissioning power plants through rates, subject to approval from regulators.