South Carolina Code of Regulations
Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
Subchapter 61-107 - Solid Waste Management
Subchapter 61-107.20 - Solar Energy Systems
Section 61-107.20.E - Decommissioning Requirements

Universal Citation: SC Code Regs 61-107.20.E

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 9, September 27, 2024

1. Five (5) years prior to a large solar energy system's projected end-of-life, the registrant shall submit to the Department a decommissioning plan for review and approval. The decommissioning plan shall be updated if any changes occur at the facility that require a deviation from the approved decommissioning plan, which includes the cost estimate.

2. Following a continuous twelve (12) month period in which no electricity is generated, the registered owner/operator will have twelve (12) months to complete decommissioning of the large solar energy system, unless otherwise approved by the Department.

3. Decommissioning shall be considered complete once all components of a large solar energy system are removed and properly disposed of, or the property upon which such solar equipment, facilities, or devices are located have been reasonably restored.

4. The decommissioning plan shall include:

a. A description of the large solar energy system that includes:
(1) Total property acreage,

(2) Total acreage used for solar panels and accessory equipment,

(3) The proposed number of solar panels for decommissioning, and

(4) A list of all components of the solar energy system to be properly recycled or disposed of in accordance with the decommissioning plan.

b. A statement of the objective of the decommissioning process. An example of an objective can be the following: to reasonably restore the site to its prior use or to a different use as approved by the owner and landowner;

c. The estimated timeframe it will take to complete the decommissioning process;

d. A description of the tasks involved in decommissioning and the types of equipment that will be required;

e. The registrant shall provide a detailed final decommissioning estimate of the cost of recycling or disposing of all components of the solar energy system, including, but not limited to, solar panels, electrical material, hardware, inverters, conduits, storage devices, footings, braces, stands, or any other appurtenances associated with the operation of a solar energy system. A final decommissioning cost estimate shall provide estimates for third-party costs to properly recycle or dispose of all components of the solar energy system and perform any post-closure care. If applicable, a salvage plan may be included to support proposed salvage values.

f. A financial assurance mechanism that will be used to meet the requirements of the cost estimate.

5. The owner or operator of the large solar energy system shall send a notification to the Department no later than thirty (30) calendar days after the completion of decommissioning.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. South Carolina may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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