Circular Economy for Photovoltaic (PV) Systems

Two workmen install solar panels on a suburban rooftop

In the next five to 10 years a significant number of rooftop solar PV systems will reach end of life in Australia. Unless circular economy strategies are put in place to reuse and recycle panels and components, waste volumes could reach between 300,000 and 450,000 tonnes by 2040.

These strategies would enable sustainable supply chains by ensuring the precious resources are not wasted and reduce the social and environmental impacts associated with mining by minimising the use of virgin materials.

The NSW Government invested $10 million fund to help NSW's transition to circular economy renewable energy sources.

A circular economy for photovoltaic (PV) systems requires changes across the whole supply chain including promoting circular design and manufacturing of high-quality systems, maximising product lifetimes through maintenance, repair and reuse, establishing high-value recycling, and reducing landfilling.

ISF was commissioned to undertake research as part of a broader project led by PV Industries Pty Ltd and funded by the NSW Environment Protection Authority through the Circular Solar Grants Program.

There were three main research outputs:

(1) Up-to-date material flow and spatial model to estimate the resource recovery potential in Australia

(2) Comprehensive survey of approximately 50 installers to understand decommissioning and end-of-life management practices, including early decommissioning

(3) Interviews with experts in industry, policy and academia to evaluate reuse market opportunities and assess barriers and enablers

This research highlighted the significant opportunity to reuse PV systems in Australia. Presently the domestic second-hand market is under-developed and there is a growing unregulated export market to low- and middle-income regions without prior testing, repair or refurbishment. This will result in the export of a waste problem if destination countries do not have the infrastructure or systems in place to manage these products at end of life.

To enable the development of reuse pathways for PV systems, the research highlighted a need to: (1) establish definitions and criteria for reusability, (2) develop new standards for repairing and testing second-hand systems, (3) provide information and assurances for customers purchasing second-hand, (4) ensure emerging reverse logistics solutions are designed to facilitate reuse, and (5) develop new financial incentives for repaired and tested systems to be cost-competitive.

Circular Solar

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

RESEARCH OUTPUTS

Characterising Material Stocks for PV Systems and Estimating Material Recovery Potential (2023) (Report)

Managing End-of-Life Photovoltaic Systems in Australia: Key Findings from Installer Survey (2023) (Report)

Enabling a Responsible Second-Hand Market for Photovoltaic Systems in Australia (2023) (Report)

A circular economy for solar PV systems in Australia: Opportunities for re-use (2023) (Briefing note)