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Madison County approves ordinance requiring origin, chemical disclosures for solar panels
Summary
The Board of Supervisors approved an amendment to Madison County's zoning code that bans certain chemicals in photovoltaic panels made outside the U.S., requires applicants to submit panel composition and toxicology specifications and to disclose country of origin, and aligns local rules with a recently passed state bill (SB 1165).
Madison County's Board of Supervisors voted to approve an amendment to the county code on a recommendation from the Planning Commission that would restrict the use of certain photovoltaic panels and require manufacturers' disclosures.
The ordinance amendment, recorded as case ZOADash10Dash25Dash01, adds language to Appendix 1 of the Madison County Code requiring that photovoltaic panels manufactured outside the United States shall not contain "harmful chemicals such as cadmium or amorphous silicon." Prior to construction, applicants must provide written panel specifications, including composition, toxicological information, and the physical and chemical properties of panels to be used at the facility, and must disclose the country of origin. The amendment also requires that only biodegradable cleaners and water be used to clean panels in order to comply with SB 1165.
Why it matters: The change affects developers proposing solar facilities in the county, and proponents said it aligns local rules with a new state law. Supporters framed the amendment as protecting residents and encouraging domestic manufacturers; critics warned it may favor U.S. producers and raise costs for projects.
"We're okay with poison as long as it's our poison," said Mister Nichols during board discussion, underscoring concerns about whether the rule is driven by safety or by a preference for domestic manufacturers. An unidentified commenter at the public hearing questioned the practical toxicity of cadmium and silicon in installed panels, saying risks are greater during disposal: "Cadmium isn't harmful...not until after they're taken off the roof...then that's when they could possibly reach into the soil." The county staff representative said the change is a response to a bill recently passed in the state legislature and that a domestic manufacturer had reached out to county officials.
Board discussion also flagged long-term costs. An unidentified board member warned that while panels are often landfilled now at low cost (about $4 per panel), forthcoming recycling requirements could add as much as $50 per panel for proper disposal or recycling and that decommissioning without sufficient bonding could leave local taxpayers responsible.
The board approved the amendment after a motion and second; the transcript records a voice vote in which members answered "Aye" and no opposition was recorded.
Next steps: The amendment was adopted by the Board of Supervisors and will be incorporated into the county code; the transcript does not specify an effective date or implementation schedule.
