National solar panel recycling pilot program welcomed

The Australian Council of Recycling (ACOR) has welcomed the federal government’s announcement of a national pilot program for solar panel recycling, saying it is ‘a timely and important step in supporting Australia’s clean energy transition’.

The federal government stated that the pilot program — which will invest $24.7 million over three years and establish up to 100 collection sites nationwide — recognises the growing challenge posed by end-of-life solar panels as Australia’s solar fleet continues to expand.

More than one in three homes in Australia are now fitted with solar PV, yet only a small proportion of end-of-life panels are currently recycled, despite containing valuable materials including aluminium and critical minerals such as silver and silicon.

“Solar panels are too valuable to landfill,” said ACOR CEO Suzanne Toumbourou. “They contain materials that are essential to Australia’s future manufacturing capability, resource security and clean energy supply chains.

“The intrinsic value of clean energy waste streams presents a significant opportunity for the Australian economy. Supporting a circular supply chain for solar panels will reduce waste and emissions while building confidence for investment in the recovery and re-use of these materials here in Australia.”

ACOR said the pilot provides an important opportunity to develop a nationally consistent approach to solar panel recycling, building on existing capability within Australia’s recycling sector.

“Technologies for recycling end-of-use solar panels already exist in Australia, demonstrating that high-quality recycling outcomes are both feasible and achievable,” Toumbourou said. “As the pilot is developed, it will be important to ensure it supports genuine recycling processes here in Australia.”

Toumbourou said strong transparency, clear governance and meaningful engagement with recyclers will be essential to ensure the program delivers lasting environmental and economic benefits.

“Well-designed and properly governed recycling and product stewardship frameworks can help ensure end-of-life solar panels are responsibly collected, processed and reintegrated into the economy,” Toumbourou said. “ACOR looks forward to working with the Australian Government to support the success of this pilot and to help pave the way for a sustainable, circular future for solar panels in Australia.

“Done well, this initiative can support households and businesses across our vast country, strengthen Australia’s recycling sector, and ensure Australia’s energy transition is clean from start to finish.”

Image credit: iStock.com/Douglas Cliff