Solar deployment has grown at unprecedented rates since the early 2000s. As the global PV market matures, so will the need for decommissioning and repowering of PV systems. NuLife Power is committed to helping our clients optimize their solar assets through strategic repowering while providing full turnkey services for PV end-of-life (decommissioning).
OUR SERVICES
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Full/Partial System DecommissioningDuring system decommissioning, a solar system is deconstructed, removed, and the roof/land is made ready for redevelopment or returned to its original state, typically when the solar PV system has reached the end of its useful life. Sometimes the system needs to be decommissioned due to system failure, sometimes due to the expiration of a site lease or incentives, and sometimes the end customer just wants to upgrade their system to newer technology. In some of the states, it is also now a requirement to include the estimated cost and a plan for decommissioning as part of the initial project application. With that in mind, it is important that project owners consider decommissioning from the very start of a system's life.
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System Removal/Reinstalls for New Roof (Consulting)Typical Building rooftops have an approximate 25-year warranty, though repairs and weather related issues can certainly push replacement windows up rapidly. Before a roof can be repaired or replaced, a solar panel system needs to be removed. We specialize in properly inspected and documented storage and reinstallation of these multimillion dollar assets, giving our customers the peace of mind that their investments will be properly handled during this construction activity for many more years to come.
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Solar RepoweringSolar repowering is a process that involves replacing old (PV) modules, trackers, inverters, transformers, and other technology with new ones. Sometimes it can include the addition of batteries. Every system is different and must be looked at individually unless the makeup is similar to a portfolio of sites.
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Remediation and ServiceWith expertise in thermal damage cleanup, MC4 connector replacements, RSD replacements, wire management, and solar panel replacements, we are committed to delivering top-notch technical support and project management that ensure sensitivity, quick restoration, and cost-effectiveness. Our aim is to help you put these types of events behind you and enable you to continue elevating your company's mission and reputation. Contact us today for a free consultation and quote!
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More than
Commercial Sites Decommissioned
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Approximately
Tons of solar material diverted from landfill
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More than
Panels Recycled/Repurposed
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Approximately
Dollars paid to customers for repurposed components.
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With over 20+ commercial PV systems decommissioned around the US, we are proud to have reached several critical milestones.
When you choose NuLife Power as your decommissioning partner, you’re electing to work with a mission-driven company.
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At NuLife Power Services, we pride ourselves in our commitment to developing the next generation of solar professionals. |
Our Partners
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FAQs
Q1: Why are solar systems being decommissioned?
There are several factors that may require a solar system to be repowered or decommissioned, and financials play a key part when making that decision. Additional reasons can include declining performance, the end of a contract, or weather events like severe storms that might cause enough damage to compel the same decision. More recently we have noticed that a need to reroof a building becomes another trigger, with many owners finding it more cost-effective to remove the older system and install a new one rather than reinstall the old equipment. Lastly, manufacturing defects can be another reason that modules require removal and disposal.
Q2: What do we do with the used solar components?
Solar modules are designed with a 25-year life expectancy, with some up to 30 years. According to a study from the National Renewable Energy Labratory (NREL), the average degradation rate is 0.50% across all solar panels. That means you could still expect your solar output to be about 89% of its original output after 25 years. There are three main options for what to do with used solar modules, with the condition, age and performance of the module dictating which option is best suited. Strings inverters are usually discarded, but some central inverters can be reused as scrapped for oem spare parts.
- Repurposing which allows the module a second-hand life for communities who otherwise could not afford solar power. Re-using solar panels makes sense for small off-grid applications, where producing electricity super efficiently with the latest solar technology isn’t essential.
- Refurbishing a module is the process of providing minor repairs for blemishes or damaged wire leads or connectors.
- Recycling is the process of separating all recycled materials including the modules glass, frames, wire leads and silicon wafers through thermal, mechanical, or chemical processing.
Q3: What does decommissioning entail and how much does it cost?
The cost for decommissioning a solar system may fluctuate depending of the characteristics of the system. We can provide a comprehensive quote within 24 hours, contact us today to learn more.
Removing a solar system from active service and rendering it to a safe and final state may involve:
Removing a solar system from active service and rendering it to a safe and final state may involve:
- Removing the PV array
- Removing the balance-of-system (such as racks, foundations, and enclosures)
- Restoring the land or roof to its original condition or adapting it to a new use, such as a parking
- Recognizing that the costs of decommissioning could be from $300/kw to $440/kw, with the difference being a credit of $40/kw if the pv modules can be repurposed and resold versus a cost of $100/kw to recycle the modules (technical report nrel/tp-5c00-78678 february 2021)
Q4: What does remove & reinstalling a solar system for re-roof entail and how much does it cost?
Removal & reinstallation (R&R) is the process of temporarily removing solar modules or the entire system from a building and reinstalling them after reroofing or remodeling activity. R&R timelines and costs may vary depending on the scope of work and system components. We can provide a comprehensive quote within 72 hours, contact us today to learn more.
Q5: What about repowering?
In many cases, repowering a solar system is not merely a cost-saving exercise, but rather a thorough and lucrative reinvestment. At the same time, the technical condition of the plant is upgraded, which can also be important for continued operation beyond the PPA contract or feed-in-tariff terms. New components allow you to benefit from improved efficiency, new warranty periods and lower maintenance requirements.
Q6: Do I need permits for these services?
That depends on the individual and the county specific jurisdiction. For utility sites with feed-in-tariffs with higher regulations, it may require consulting with the regulatory body. We have worked with dozens of jurisdictions and can usually get through any permitting process with minimal delays.
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