Western Australia has one of the highest rates of rooftop solar uptake in Australia with increasing numbers of panels reaching the end of their useful life in the coming decades.
While solar photovoltaic (PV) systems play an important role in the State’s clean energy transition to renewable energy, the challenge is what to do with the future waste.
Through the Remade in WA program, the Western Australian Government has invested $13 million to establish end-of-life solar panel collection and recycling pathways across the State.
Department of Water and Environmental Regulation is progressing important work to support the development of Western Australia's new end-of-life solar panel recovery, reuse and recycling industry.
The Smart Energy Council has been commissioned to undertake stakeholder engagement and provide technical advisory services for a baseline assessment. The assessment will establish a Western Australian evidence base to inform future policy, investment priorities and grant program design.
Why this work matters
The Remade in WA Program investment recognises the significant growth in PV installations and the need to ensure solar panels remain a valuable resource at the end of their useful life rather than becoming a future waste challenge.
Western Australia currently has limited established infrastructure and market pathways to support the recovery, repair, reuse and recycling of solar panels at scale.
As end-of-life volumes increase, coordinated action will be required to retain valuable materials within the economy, reduce disposal to landfill and minimise environmental impacts.
The baseline assessment will gather and examine valuable information to inform decision making and planning.
What the baseline assessment will examine
The Smart Energy Council will engage with solar installers, recyclers, repair and reuse operators, utilities, local governments, mining companies and safety experts. Engagement will include targeted discussions, industry roundtables and surveys.
The assessment will consider:
- Collection and transport logistics
- Repair and refurbishment opportunities
- Reuse markets
- Recycling capability and infrastructure
- Regulatory and market barriers
- Industry readiness and scalability of potential solutions
Looking ahead
The findings will directly inform the next stages of the Remade in WA program and support the development of practical, scalable and sustainable solutions for managing solar panels at the end of their useful life.
Potential future activities may include targeted grant programs, pilot projects, improved collection and processing infrastructure, stronger repair and reuse markets and increased recovery of valuable materials.
Through Remade in WA, Western Australia is taking an important step towards building a circular solar industry that recovers resources, reduces waste and supports new economic opportunities.
Enquiries
Please email any queries to ewaste@dwer.wa.gov.au.
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