A circular future for solar

In an era where Australia has taken great strides in embracing rooftop solar systems, the Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF) has shed light on the barriers and enablers for a circular solar economy where waste is minimised and products and materials remain in use in the economy for as long as possible.

Without concrete strategies in place to manage the end-of-life phase of decommissioned PV (photovoltaic) systems, Australia could end up with a staggering 450,000 tonnes of panel waste by 2040 and fail to recover valuable materials that are in demand as we transition to a renewable energy system.

Over the past two years, ISF researchers have been collaborating with Australian firm PV Industries, investigating the prospects of a circular economy for solar systems that can not only avert the impending waste problem but also unlock fresh opportunities in the industry.

ISF Research Director Nick Florin says, “Australia is a leader in solar PV deployment and we can also be a leader in establishing a circular economy for PV systems.”

To transform this vision into a reality, ISF research highlights the need to unlock reuse and recycling solutions that can recover all of the valuable materials, such as silver and silicon. These materials can and should be reutilised in the manufacturing of new solar panels rather than disposing materials to landfill or downcycling recovered materials into less valuable products.

ISF reached out to 50 PV solar installers to better understand the current methods for decommissioning and end-of-life management of solar equipment. Experts from industry, policy, and academia were also interviewed to gauge the potential of reuse markets.

Australia is a leader in solar PV deployment and we can also be a leader in establishing a circular economy for PV systems.

– Nick Florin, ISF

The research findings underline the need to ensure that high-quality systems are installed in the first place and that they have long productive lifetimes supported by repair and reuse industries. 

Developing new standards and certifications for repaired and tested second-hand systems, providing assurances for customers purchasing second-hand, and creating new financial incentives are important initiatives in promoting the reuse of PV systems.

Circular Solar

Transcript

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Putting solar panels on your roof is a great way to fight climate change and reduce your power bills. 

But there are some important things to think about to make sure you maximise the benefits for you and the planet. Did you know that Australia is on track to send more than 400,000 tonnes of valuable solar products to landfill by 2040?   

And many of the panels we export for reuse end up contributing to other countries' waste problems. So how can you be part of the solution? 

If you're buying a new system, get the best quality you can. Look for approved sellers and buy quality products that come with long warranty periods. Making the right choices now could mean years or even decades of extra use. 

When it comes time to replace or upgrade your system, talk to your installer about how to recover the most value from your old panels through reuse or recycling. And look for local recyclers working with product stewardship schemes.

Together, we can ensure our solar is powering a bright future.   

To find out more, visit uts.edu.au/circularsolar

Reducing PV’s waste impact hinges on asking the right questions when looking at repair and reuse options. ISF published the Circular Solar video through a process of close collaboration with Chris Gaul from Parallel Lines.

The aim of the video is to help buyers, installers and retailers make informed choices when handling solar PV systems. 

Ensuring our solar is powering a bright future

This project not only sheds light on the critical issue of PV solar waste but also provides valuable data for emerging repair and reuse industries. It serves as a resource for product stewardship initiatives and policymakers, helping them estimate Australia's untapped resource recovery potential and charting a clear pathway towards the reuse of PV solar panels, components, and materials.

This is a call to action for Australia's solar industry, offering a more environmentally friendly and economically viable energy landscape as the world looks toward more sustainable energy solutions.

This project was made possible thanks to funding from the NSW Environment Protection Authority Circular Solar grants program. This research is part of a broader project led by PV Industries Pty Ltd.