Navigating End-of-Life Solutions for Solar PV Panels in Australia: Innovations and Opportunities
- Editor
- May 8, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 26
As Australia continues to lead in solar energy adoption, the question of how to deal with end-of-life solar panels becomes increasingly pressing.
The country's embrace of solar technology, driven by high sunshine levels and supportive government policies, has led to a proliferation of photovoltaic (PV) installations across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. However, this rapid growth brings with it the challenge of solar waste management.
By 2050, it's estimated that Australia will have over 100,000 tonnes of solar panel waste.
Previously Australia did not have a comprehensive national policy specifically for solar panel disposal, which meant that end-of-life management of PV panels could have varied significantly by region. Many used solar panels were ending up in landfill, posing environmental risks due to potential leakage of hazardous materials like lead and cadmium.
Until creative and pioneering entrepreneurs came up with solutions that the world has been waiting for.
Volume is skyrocketing - Australia could generate 1 million tonnes of panel waste by 2035 while recycling rates currently remain low (~17%)
One of the standout innovators in this sector is PV Industries Australia. The company has established itself as a leader by not only recycling aged solar panels but also refurbishing those that still hold functional value. Their process involves meticulous separation of glass, aluminium, and silicon, ensuring that each component is reused or recycled efficiently.
"PV Industries was created with the goal of stopping end of life solar panels going to landfill. We work with distributors, installers (residential and commercial), solar farms, universities as well as all levels of government to help reduce their environmental footprint." - James Petesic
James recently appeared on the famous "Just another Solar Podcast" Episode #58 - PV Recycling w/James Petesic
PV Industries also offer's solar panel testing services to give system owners a deeper understanding of how their system is performing and if their system can or should be reused or recycled.
But PV Industries aren't the only player in the market. Another significant player is Lotus Energy, headquartered in New South Wales. Lotus has developed a proprietary technology to more efficiently separate and recover high-purity silicon from PV cells. This silicon can then be repurposed for new solar panels, contributing to a circular economy in the solar industry.
Reclaim PV Recycling
Reclaim PV Recycling is tackling the issue head-on with its innovative recycling technology that can recover up to 90% of the materials from a solar panel. Partnering with solar companies and government agencies, Reclaim PV has set up several collection points across the country, making it easier for businesses and consumers to recycle their old panels responsibly.
In the "Just another solar Podcast" referenced earlier, James the founder and creator of PV Industries, talks about :
– What materials make up a solar panel (i.e silicon, silver, metal, copper)?
– How we can retain as much of the value of each panels as possible: avoiding the method of shredding panels?
– How much money can you really make back from a panel $...?
– Avoiding shredding (smashing the shit out of) the panels and their solar wafers, to avoid cross-contamination of the glass (50% of the value *today)
– Dollars and cents, approx 50% of the value $ of a recovered panel, "de-glasser" the 1mm sheet of glass is worth half the value of all components In a solar panel
– Patented Australian and innovative machines - Lets go!
How can we win as states, territories but more importantly one Nation? (and not 'THAT 'one nation)
While our innovators are taking significant steps, investing their time and money and energy, there is a growing recognition that effective end-of-life management of solar panels requires robust government intervention. HOLD THE OFFSHORE IMPORT/EXPORTS...
Policies that mandate solar panel recycling and support with subsidies or tax incentives can enhance the viability of these recycling initiatives. The Australian government has taken some steps in this direction with the Product Stewardship Act, which includes provisions for managing electronic waste. However, specific legislation targeting solar panels is still needed.
Just think of all those AAA and AA batteries you have used to power your families last few camping trips... Guess what? Where do they end up? As well as the device you are reading this from..?
I am looking forward, the key to sustainable management of solar PV waste lies in collaboration between the government, industry leaders, innovators like PV Industries Australia, Lotus Energy, and Reclaim PV Recycling.
By establishing more comprehensive policies and expanding technological innovations, Australia can address the dual goals of promoting renewable energy and protecting the environment.
But don't forget, perpetually, if your not first your last, and if you are last, then you have to be better... Ship it...or in this instance, rush to collect it...
As Sun Tzu put it "To be first is to embrace the quiet mastery of excellence; leadership is not merely a position, but a continuous journey towards surpassing the known limits."
