Australia Unveils $24.7M Pilot for Recycling Retired Solar Panels

The Albanese Labour Government has unveiled a nationwide pilot scheme for recycling decommissioned solar panels. The effort aims to reduce landfill disposal and extract critical minerals for Australia. Over three years, the government plans to allocate $24.7 million to launch the pilot, featuring as many as 100 collection points nationwide.

Driven by Productivity Commission Findings

The move comes on the heels of a fresh Productivity Commission report exploring circularity within Australia's economy. The document explicitly called for a dedicated solar panel recycling program. 

It pointed to ways to enhance the nation's circular economy via enhanced collaboration, refined regulations, and technological advances, especially for valuable yet challenging waste like solar panels.

Current Challenges 

Currently, just 17 percent of solar panels undergo recycling. According to the Productivity Commission, boosting these rates could generate up to $7.3 billion in economic and ecological advantages by minimising waste and promoting material recovery.

The government is committed to reviewing the Commission's insights and partnering with state and territory authorities to advance recycling and resource recovery nationwide, the official statement said.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers emphasised that solar panel recycling would cut expenses and boost economic efficiency. 

“Recycling solar panels and reusing the essential components will reduce costs and make our economy more productive and efficient,” he said, adding, “less waste and more access to valuable metals.”

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said, “Not only do solar panels create renewable energy—now they’ll be renewable themselves.”

Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said, “Only a small percentage of end-of-life solar panels are currently recovered for recycling, with most panels either stockpiled, dumped in landfill or exported for reuse. But we think solar panels are made up of materials that are too valuable to throw out. These materials can be repurposed to support the clean energy transition and help reduce what we send to landfill, improving out natural environment.”