Comstock Metals Secures California Approval for Solar Panel Recycling Hub

Comstock Inc. said its subsidiary Comstock Metals has been cleared by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control to operate as an authorized universal-waste recycler for photovoltaic modules at its newly opened site in Kings County, giving solar asset owners in the state a locally permitted option for end-of-life panel processing and logistics.

The approval comes as the U.S. faces a looming wave of solar equipment retirements. Installations surged through the 2010s, and industry forecasts project millions of panels will reach decommissioning age by the late 2020s, particularly in high-deployment states such as California, Arizona and Nevada. Policymakers and utilities have warned that limited recycling capacity and inconsistent regulatory pathways could slow renewable expansion if disposal risks and costs rise. Analysts say proximity to compliant recycling hubs can significantly reduce transport expenses and environmental exposure for project owners.

Comstock said the California facility will function as a regional aggregation and preparation center, handling collection, storage and pre-processing of retired photovoltaic panels before downstream material recovery. The company noted that recovered metals, including aluminum, copper, silver and specialty elements, can be reintroduced into manufacturing supply chains, supporting circular-economy targets and reducing dependence on primary mining. The site is intended to strengthen the firm’s southwestern network and serve utilities, engineering contractors, installers and asset managers operating across the state’s large solar fleet.

Executives framed the DTSC authorization as a milestone in scaling a zero-landfill recycling model designed to prevent hazardous components from entering landfills or waterways. Observers note that regulatory recognition is critical in California, where strict hazardous-waste classifications for solar panels have historically complicated transport and treatment compliance. Industry groups argue that clearer state-approved pathways for panel recycling could accelerate investment in specialized facilities as solar retirement volumes climb.

The company also said it is preparing permit submissions for a second large-scale recycling facility in Nevada, with a final location decision expected soon. Market watchers say continued network expansion will be essential if recyclers hope to handle the projected surge in decommissioned modules nationwide while keeping processing costs competitive.

Source: Comstock Metals

SUNSHINE Spotlight: California’s approval of Comstock Metals’ new facility signals growing regulatory and infrastructure momentum to handle the coming surge of retired U.S. solar panels.