The pilot will operate in the following locations:
- Balonne Shire
- Goondiwindi
- Murweh Shire
- Southern Downs
The program aims to:
- Explore the feasibility of collecting, reusing, and recycling solar panels from households and solar farms.
- Gather data and insights to inform policies for a nationwide solution.
As part of our commitment to accelerate Australia’s solar, storage, and smart energy industry, the Smart Energy Council is proud to partner with the Queensland Government to launch Australia’s first solar panel and battery recycling pilot. This program aims to explore the feasibility of collecting, reusing, and recycling solar panels and batteries from households and solar farms. Our goal is to gather data and insights that will inform policies for a nationwide solution.
A partnership with the Queensland State Government
Since 2019, the Smart Energy Council has spearheaded the national dialogue on developing a comprehensive Solar PV Stewardship program. Our efforts have led to tangible results:
- December 2022: The Queensland Government's Department of Environment, Science and Innovation funded a consultation phase with industry to better understand solar panel recovery needs.
- November 2023: With additional support from the Department of Energy and Climate, this pilot now includes large-scale solar projects.
- January 2024: The Queensland Government's Department of Environment, Science and Innovation and Department of Energy and Climate funded our pilot program to collect decommissioned solar panels from small-scale and large-scale installations.
- August 2024: The program expanded to include residential solar batteries.
- April 2025: Finished the residential solar panel collection pilot
- May 2025: Opening the remote-regional council solar panel collection pilot
This collaboration with the Queensland Government demonstrates our shared commitment to paving the way for a national stewardship program. We are actively engaged in discussions with the Federal Government to advance this critical initiative.
In The Press:
PRESS RELEASE: Spotlight on solar panels in draft drive to recycle and reduce landfill
PRESS RELEASE: New energy grants build on Queensland’s renewable energy momentum
PRESS RELEASE: Treasure, not trash: Solar panels have huge value beyond first use
We are on our way to collecting 30,000 panels
Sign-up to our Solar Stewardship Pilot mailing list for updates on our progress and our advocacy.
The Smart Energy Council received funding from the Queensland Government’s Recycling and Jobs Fund and the Queensland Renewable Energy Industry Association Grant to deliver the end-of-life solar panel recovery trial.