Capitalising on Australia’s solar panel waste

Solar panel waste is expected to reach crisis level in the next few years. If you are a business offering photovoltaic (PV) installations, how can you grow your business while addressing growing concerns around sustainability and waste? 

As the solar industry matures, recycling innovations may present both environmental and business opportunities that could benefit a solar installation business. 

Solar panels and end-of-life

Despite the excitement around the growing solar PV industry, one crucial question remains: What happens to the panels when they reach the end of their working life? 

As you can imagine, these products do not live forever. Solar panels typically last 25 – 30 years, after which they may not generate electricity effectively and may require replacement or decommissioning. 

If you’re thinking of recycling, think again. The recycling of solar PV panels is not yet widespread, primarily due to the prohibitive nature of associated costs. According to an Arenawire article, Low-cost recycling technology for solar PV, the cost of recycling a single panel may range from $25 to $70 (US$15 to US$45) whereas the cost of sending a panel to an industrial landfill in Australia is only between $1 to $3.

Shared responsibility for sustainability, climate change and e-waste management

At the state and territory level, there are still discussions and consultations about e-waste management and recycling with progress varying across regions:

• Victoria — This is the only state to have officially banned solar panel systems from landfills
• South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory — Restrictions are in place for e-waste disposal in landfills
• Western Australia — The state is taking a phased approach to managing waste, supported by over $6.5 million in funding for e-waste projects
• New South Wales — The NSW government is providing funding support for solar panel and battery recycling facilities
• Northern Territory — Programs such as the NT Recycling Modernisation Fund and the Circular Economy NT program are active
• Queensland — A groundbreaking solar panel recycling pilot program was launched recently
• Tasmania — While general environmental and waste management regulations such as the Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994 (Tasmania) exist, Tasmania is still navigating how national recycling schemes will be implemented locally

Thinking beyond solar panel installations

Typically, whether we are dealing with solar or battery systems, it’s important to understand that components within these systems eventually require replacement. 

Due to the complex nature of the equipment, solar installation and removal is not an activity that may be undertaken by just anyone. In fact, any replacement or recycling of equipment requires professional assistance. 

Solar installers have to be accredited. Additionally, the solar installer accreditation scheme operator, Solar Accreditation Australia offers rebates under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme.

If your business offers PV installations, why stop there? 

Consider adding ancillary services, such as solar panel removal and recycling, or partner with recycling companies. Offering these services early can help your business stand out and build customer loyalty.

Additionally, when solar systems reach their end-of-life cycle, demand for decommissioning and upgrading services will increase. Your business can meet this demand by educating and engaging customers early. Many customers may not be fully aware of the importance of recycling or how to go about the process, from start to finish.

Businesses looking to expand their service offerings in line with developments in e-waste management and recycling, or even to pivot into completely new service areas, will benefit from  learning more about the renewable energy sector. This can be achieved through training and certification programs.

Resolute Training offers industry-leading training and development. We offer courses to support those who are keen to work in the renewable energy sector including courses in grid-connected PV systems, battery storage, power systems, and a Certificate IV in Electrical (Renewable Energy). Employers who are getting started in renewable energy can visit our Getting started in renewable energy for more information.