Planning & Execution
Decommissioning Planning
Timeline, procedures, and site restoration requirements for commercial solar system decommissioning.
Commercial Solar Decommissioning in New Jersey
Plan at Project Inception, Not End-of-Life
Best practice is to develop decommissioning plans during initial project development—not when systems reach end of life. This ensures adequate financial reserves and compliance pathways.
When to Start Planning
Decommissioning planning should begin during project development and continue throughout operational life.
Project Development Phase
Initial cost estimates for bonding, reserve planning
Year 15-20 of Operations
Update cost estimates, evaluate system condition, begin contractor discussions
2-3 Years Before EOL
Finalize decommissioning plan, secure contracts, notify stakeholders
6 Months Before Removal
Submit permits, coordinate utility disconnect, schedule execution
Typical Commercial Decommissioning Timeline
| System Size | Removal Duration | Full Project |
|---|---|---|
| 100kW - 500kW | 1-2 weeks | 4-6 weeks total |
| 500kW - 2MW | 2-4 weeks | 6-10 weeks total |
| 2MW - 10MW | 1-3 months | 3-5 months total |
| 10MW+ | 3-6 months | 6-12 months total |
*Timelines include permitting, removal, recycling verification, and site restoration
Safe-Off Procedures
Grid-connected systems require careful electrical isolation before physical removal begins.
Electrical Hazards Remain Active
Solar panels generate electricity whenever exposed to light. Proper lockout/tagout and isolation procedures are essential for worker safety.
Safe-Off Sequence:
- Coordinate utility disconnect date with local provider
- Obtain utility confirmation of grid isolation
- Open main disconnects and lockout/tagout
- Verify zero energy state at all combiner boxes
- Cover panels or work during low-light conditions for initial disconnect
- Ground all DC conductors before handling
Infrastructure Removal
Complete removal includes all supporting infrastructure—not just panels.
Above-Ground
- • Panels and mounting hardware
- • Racking and torque tubes
- • Inverters and transformers
- • Combiner boxes and wiring
- • Fencing and gates
Below-Ground
- • Ground screws/driven piles
- • Concrete foundations/pads
- • Buried conduit and cables
- • Equipment pads
- • Access road base (if required)
Site Restoration Standards
Restoration requirements depend on original land use and municipal/landowner agreements.
Agricultural Land
Return to agricultural condition: soil decompaction, topsoil restoration, seeding with appropriate cover crops
Industrial/Commercial Sites
Grade to match surrounding conditions, stabilize soil, meet stormwater requirements
Brownfield/Landfill Sites
Maintain cap integrity, coordinate with NJDEP, special handling for penetrations