JOIN THE PV SOLAR STEWARDSHIP PILOT IN QUEENSLAND
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 recycling pilot. This program aims to explore the feasibility of collecting, reusing, and recycling solar panels from households and solar farms. Our goal is to gather data and insights that will inform policies for a nationwide solution.
The pilot will run in various locations, including Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Regional Queensland, with plans for further expansion. By making recycling easy, efficient, and cost-effective, we aim to support installers and their businesses through a robust stewardship program.
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.
The pilot will operate in the following locations:
- Brisbane: Salisbury, North Lakes, Logan
- Gold Coast
- Sunshine Coast
- Toowoomba
- Townsville
- Rockhampton
THREE REASONS TO BE PART OF THE SOLUTION
The economic future of the solar energy industry depends on a sustainability strategy.
There is an estimated 1.2m solar panels coming to the end of their life in QLD each year which poses a significant waste management challenge for the solar energy industry to overcome. In addition, precious raw materials used in the manufacturing of solar panels such as silver and copper are becoming scarce. We must significantly increase the recovery of these materials.
Build customer trust and reputation by differentiating your solar panel installation business with ethical recycling solutions.
Research shows that 51% of Australians consider sustainability when they purchase goods and services1. Installers that offer a genuine and ethical recycling solution can differentiate themselves from competitors, adding value to both retailers and consumers which may assist with referrals and repeat business.
References
1. https://lens.monash.edu/
Create efficiency and convenience with a streamlined disposal process.
- Cost Efficiency: The recycling program can potentially reduce costs associated with other waste disposal methods, like council tip fees.
- Convenient Drop-off Centers: Drop-off centers are being set up in locations convenient to installers, with a streamlined collection process to minimise delays.
- Incentives for Installers: Installers participating in the program are incentivised with a $5 per panel payment*.
- Participation and Feedback: Enrolling in the program allows you to participate in the pilot and provide valuable feedback.
- Government Policy Influence: Your insights will help shape government decisions for a national stewardship program optimised for installation and decommissioning workflows.
*The pilot is designed to collect 30,000 panels. Once this volume is received, the installer incentive will end. Installers will receive regular updates of volumes collected and incentive payment changes.
What happens to the panels after they are dropped off?
The Smart Energy Council is partnering with reputable and certified partners to ensure logistics, testing, and recycling is conducted to the highest standards.
- Collection: Installers drop off their used solar panels at designated points.
- Centralisation: The Smart Energy Council collects these panels and transports them to a central location.
- Recycling: 85% of the panels are sent to various recycling centers. This helps establish best practices in resource recovery and landfill redirection.
- Re-use Testing: 15% of the panels are tested in certified laboratories. The purpose of testing is to inform a national testing standard that will ensure a consistent national approach to identify panels that are safe and reliable for the reseller market.
Ultimately, the goal is to make the collection, testing, recycling, and re-use of solar panels cost-effective and safe for installers, consumers, and recyclers.
Book a Solar Panel Drop Off
All operations for the PV Solar stewardship pilot will be managed by our trusted operations partner NewLimit. The team at NewLimit have over 40 plus years experience working in logistics and operations with a particular focus on circular economy waste streams. They are committed to supporting recyclers and installers throughout the program by ensuring high levels of customer service.
For all customer support inquiries related to bookings and drop offs, contact NewLimit:
Email: info@newlimitws.com.au
Phone: 1800 960 890
