Environment

Solar Power Is Growing. What Happens to the Batteries When They Wear Out?

Solar batteries gradually lose their ability to store electricity. Some may be suitable for further use after professional assessment; others need specialist recycling to recover materials. Being recyclable, however, does not guarantee that a battery will actually be collected and recycled. US EPA

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November 5, 2026 · 1 min read

Solar Power Is Growing. What Happens to the Batteries When They Wear Out?

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The concern is how they are discarded. Lithium-ion batteries can cause fires if damaged or mishandled, while lead-acid batteries require careful handling because they contain hazardous materials. Neither belongs in ordinary household rubbish or recycling bins. For installed solar batteries, the US Environmental Protection Agency recommends contacting the manufacturer or installation company about disposal. US EPA

For Highlight Review, the central question could be:

We are investing in solar electricity—but are we planning for the batteries it will leave behind?

Solar Power Is Growing. What Happens to the Batteries When They Wear Out?

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