Last Update: May 2026
Important Update for R2-Certified Facilities
SERI has introduced Appendix G requirements for R2v3-certified facilities that handle, process, broker, or otherwise control photovoltaic (PV) modules, also known as solar panels.
If your facility works with PV modules, Appendix G will need to be added to your R2 certification scope.
To support this update, your Quality Management System (QMS) and Environmental, Health and Safety Management System (EHSMS) documentation will need to be reviewed and updated to reflect Appendix G requirements.
Does This Apply to Your Facility?
Appendix G may apply if your facility:
- Receives or stores solar panels
- Processes, repairs, reuses, or recycles PV modules
- Ships PV modules to downstream vendors
- Brokers or controls PV module transactions, even when the panels do not physically pass through your facility
What is Appendix G?
Appendix G is the section of the R2 Standard that applies specifically to PV modules.
It introduces additional requirements to support the responsible handling, tracking, and management of solar panels throughout the recycling and reuse process.
If Appendix G applies to your operations, your R2 certification scope will need to be updated to include it.
What Your Facility Needs To Do
If your facility handles or controls PV modules, the next steps are straightforward:
- Schedule an on-site scope extension audit
- Maintain at least three months of relevant operational records
- Demonstrate that Appendix G requirements are being implemented
- Close any nonconformities identified during the audit process before certification updates can be completed
The scope extension audit can be completed either during a regularly scheduled audit or as a separate stand-alone audit, depending on what works best for your facility.
Key Dates and Timeline
To help facilities prepare for the Appendix G transition, SERI has outlined the following timeline:
| Date | What this means for your facility |
|---|---|
| By September 30th, 2026 | Schedule the scope extension audit to add Appendix G to your R2 certification scope |
| Before January 31st, 2027 | Complete the audit process and close any nonconformities identified during the assessment |
| Within six months of a stand-alone scope extension audit | Complete any required remote or on-site follow-up activity to verify closure of nonconformities |
| After January 31st, 2027 | Facilities that have not completed the required activities may enter suspension status for up to 90 days |
| After the 90-day suspension period | Certificates may be withdrawn if the outstanding requirements remain unresolved |
Scope Extension Audit Requirement
Adding Appendix G to your certification scope requires an on-site scope extension audit. This can usually be scheduled:
- During a regularly scheduled audit, or
- As a separate stand-alone audit
Scheduling early is recommended to allow time for audit planning, corrective actions, and certification processing before the January 31st, 2027 deadline.
If Nonconformities Are Identified
If any nonconformities are identified during the audit process, these will need to be addressed and closed before the Appendix G scope extension can be added to your certification.
For stand-alone scope extension audits, an additional remote or on-site follow-up audit may be required to verify that nonconformities have been properly resolved.
It is important to note that this follow-up period does not extend the January 31st, 2027, compliance deadline.
Managing PV Modules During the Transition Period
During the transition period, PV modules sourced from non-R2 suppliers may continue to be managed as Regulated Material under Appendix D, provided that all other Appendix D requirements are met.
This approach is intended as a temporary transition measure and should not be considered a long-term solution.
Planning Your Next Steps
If your facility handles, processes, brokers, or otherwise controls PV modules, we recommend reviewing the Appendix G requirements and contacting your Account Manager to begin scheduling your scope extension audit.
Early scheduling can help provide enough time to complete the audit process, address any findings, and ensure your certification is updated before the deadline.
If you are unsure whether Appendix G applies to your operations, your Account Manager will be happy to help clarify.
Contact Us
We understand these changes may raise questions, and our team is here to help you understand what applies to your facility and how to move forward.
Contact us today if you would like to find out more.
