Solar panel waste sent to landfill is a significant loss of valuable resources including copper, silicon and silver.
Disposing of solar PV systems means more new materials are needed to create new panels, contributing to demand for mining. Reducing the need for new mining by recycling as well as extending the lifetime of products through repair and reuse has great environmental benefits.
How you can help
Replacing an old solar PV system with a new one?
You have two options for your old systems: reuse or recycle.
While reuse markets are not yet well established, you can often find buyers for old panels on online second-hand marketplaces, and you can use them for camping, caravans or sheds.
But be careful to avoid individuals or groups who claim they will send PV panels overseas, even if they look professional. This is currently an unregulated activity and there is no requirement for panels to be tested for safety or performance prior to export. As such, it could result in the dumping of waste on lower-income countries.
There are also emerging local recycling options in Australia, many of which will be able to collect your old PV panels, depending on your location. Where possible, prioritise local operators before interstate and offshore businesses.
How do you find a reliable option? Ask questions:
- Does your PV installer/de-installer provide an option to recycle or reuse panels onshore in Australia, and preferably in your state?
- Are they open and willing to discuss what happens to your panels and the materials once they have them?
Buying a solar PV system for your home for the first time?
The best thing you can do is to ensure that you are buying a high-quality, durable system that is not likely to fail in the next few years. Warranties reflect product quality, so it is important to pay attention to the warranty on the system, what it covers, and who is liable.
How do you make an informed purchasing decision? The Clean Energy Council provides a guide for purchasing solar PV systems, and you can ask the following questions of any retailers or installers:
- Are they accredited by the Clean Energy Council, ensuring industry best practice?
- Is the retailer an approved seller compliant with the ACCC approved New Energy Tech Consumer Code?
- What is covered under the warranty? (This can include panel performance, product warranties that cover against faulty modules, inverter warranties and warranties on installation).
- What is the warranty period? This will vary for each component, but the longer the better.
- Who is the warranty with? (Retailers are often more established and secure than sub-contractors, so may be better placed to respond to claims).
- What might void the warranty?
By asking yourself the questions above, and doing some research, you can help to lessen PV’s waste impact.
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
If you are interested in learning more about the broader issue of a circular economy for solar PV systems in Australia, please visit our Circular Economy for Photovoltaic (PV) Systems home page.