Renewable Energy Project Decommissioning Checklist

This renewable energy project decommissioning checklist ensures compliance with FERC project decommissioning requirements, EPA RCRA hazardous waste regulations for panels and batteries, OSHA construction safety standards, state decommissioning bond requirements, and agricultural land reclamation standards. Designed for renewable energy asset owners and decommissioning contractors to systematically plan and execute end-of-life decommissioning of solar, wind, and other renewable energy projects.

  • Industry: Renewable Energy
  • Frequency: Per Event
  • Estimated Time: Multi-week project
  • Role: Decommissioning Project Manager / Environmental Compliance Officer
  • Total Items: 30
  • Compliance: EPA RCRA Hazardous Waste Regulations for Solar Panels/Batteries, OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Construction Safety, State Decommissioning Bond and Reclamation Requirements, FERC Project Termination Requirements, ITAD Industry Standards for Electronics Recycling

Planning and Permits

Pre-decommissioning planning and regulatory approvals.

  • Decommissioning plan approved by AHJ/regulatory agency?
  • FERC/utility notified of project termination per interconnection agreement?
  • State energy/environmental agency notification completed?
  • Qualified decommissioning contractor with insurance selected?
  • Decommissioning bond release process initiated with landowner?

Grid Disconnection and Electrical

Safe electrical disconnection from grid.

  • Utility grid disconnection completed per interconnection agreement?
  • Temporary safety grounds installed on all circuits?
  • SCADA and monitoring systems deactivated?
  • All hazardous energy sources (batteries, capacitors) discharged?
  • Electrical disconnection permits obtained from AHJ?

Material Removal and Waste Management

Equipment removal and waste characterization.

  • Solar panels characterized for hazardous materials (Cd, Pb, Se)?
  • Batteries characterized and disposed per RCRA and state rules?
  • Transformer oil characterized and disposed as hazardous waste if PCB?
  • Electronics recycled through certified ITAD/R2 processor?
  • Waste disposal manifests on file for all regulated materials?

Civil and Structural Removal

Physical structure removal and site clearing.

  • Concrete foundations removed to required depth (per lease)?
  • Ground piles removed and soil backfilled?
  • Access roads removed or retained per landowner agreement?
  • Underground cables removed or abandoned in place per permit?
  • Perimeter fencing removed?

Land Restoration

Agricultural and habitat land reclamation.

  • Topsoil restored to required depth?
  • Soil compaction remediated for agricultural productivity?
  • Native or agricultural seed mix established?
  • Erosion control BMPs in place during restoration?
  • Landowner inspection and acceptance of reclamation completed?

Project Closeout

Documentation and bond release.

  • All waste disposal reports submitted to agencies?
  • Before and after decommissioning photos documented?
  • Decommissioning bond return requested from state agency?
  • FERC project license surrendered?
  • Decommissioning Notes

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Why Use This Renewable Energy Project Decommissioning Checklist?

This renewable energy project decommissioning checklist helps renewable energy teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for decommissioning project manager / environmental compliance officer professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: per event.

Ensures compliance with EPA RCRA Hazardous Waste Regulations for Solar Panels/Batteries, OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Construction Safety, State Decommissioning Bond and Reclamation Requirements, FERC Project Termination Requirements, ITAD Industry Standards for Electronics Recycling. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Renewable Energy Project Decommissioning Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 6 sections: Planning and Permits, Grid Disconnection and Electrical, Material Removal and Waste Management, Civil and Structural Removal, Land Restoration, Project Closeout. It is designed for renewable energy operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed per event. Each completion takes approximately Multi-week project.

Who should use this Renewable Energy Project Decommissioning Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Decommissioning Project Manager / Environmental Compliance Officer professionals in the renewable energy industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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