Closing the loop: Australia’s PV stewardship & recycling

We’re designing a national stewardship scheme to tackle end-of-life solar PV challenges—fostering industry collaboration, scaling recycling capacity and unlocking the investment needed for a truly circular energy economy.

Smart Stewardship

Recycling Renewables for a Sustainable Tomorrow

The Smart Energy Council’s Stewardship Team is shaping the future of Australia’s clean energy sector—beyond installation, into recovery, reuse, and recycling. From leading the nation’s first solar panel and battery recycling pilot in Queensland to driving national policy and industry standards, we’re laying the groundwork for a circular economy that minimises waste, recovers valuable resources, and keeps renewable energy truly renewable. Our work ensures clean energy doesn’t end in landfill—and that every solar panel and battery installed today is part of a sustainable system tomorrow. This mission is only possible with the backing of our members.  Your support enables us to advocate, coordinate, and lead on stewardship policy that benefits the entire industry and protects the planet. Together, we’re powering clean energy with a conscience.

Pan pacific recyling

Explore our resources

SEC Policy Position

Our policy position outlines clear, actionable pathways to boost reuse, recycling, and local circular economy solutions – ensuring Australia maximises resource recovery, safeguards the environment, and supports a thriving clean energy sector.

Government Policy & Programs

We have made life easy by collecting all government and industry websites with useful information on consumer energy policies, rebates and more in one easy place!

SEC Stewardship Survey

Smart Energy Council (SEC) seeks important insights from Industry on product stewardship to inform how the Council advocates for and progresses the stewardship conversation while ensuring value is delivered to Members. The survey is an opportunity to have input into the direction of stewardship for the renewable energy sector and is estimated to take between 10-15 minutes.

Stewardship – Reuse & Recycle working group

SEC Stewardship Community​

Chair: Darren Johannesen – Executive General Manager – Sustainability, Smart Energy Council

Structure:
  • Recycler Roundtable.
  • Reuse Roundtable & Working Group.
  • Logistics Working Group.
Current Focus:
  • Designing a national stewardship scheme to tackle solar PV recycling challenges.
  • Fostering industry capacity through collaboration and problem-solving.
  • Attracting critical investment to scale sustainable solutions.

Stewardship – Reuse & Recycle events

Smart Energy Queensland 2025

Solar Panel Reuse

SEC solar panel recycling

Renewable Sector Stewardship Enablers

Solar recycling & material end markets

Stewardship – Reuse & Recycle latest news

Pioneering Australia’s First Solar Recycling Pilot

ABC News Highlights Urgent Need for Solar Recycling Reform

Trinasolar Powers Casella Family Brands’ Landmark Solar Farm, the Largest in Australia’s Beverage and Wine Industries

Explore other industry sectors

Consumer Energy

Empowering households and businesses with access to affordable, efficient, and renewable energy solutions.

Large Scale Renewables

Driving investment in utility-scale solar, wind, and storage projects to accelerate the transition to 100% renewable energy.

Smart Installers

A program for solar and battery professionals providing training, certification, and industry best practices.

Smart Transport

Supporting policies that drive investment in EV infrastructure and fuel efficiency standards.

Smart Metals & Gases

Focusing on decarbonising Australia’s critical minerals, green hydrogen, and renewable gas industries.

Stewardship

Championing stewardship, reuse, and recycling initiatives to ensure lifecycle management of solar panels, batteries, and other renewable technologies.

International

Partnering globally to support investment, trade, and collaboration to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy.

Contact Alistair McGrath-Kerr

Contact Connor Price

Contact Charlie Caruso

Contact Allen Edwards

Contact Darren Johannesen

Contact Jessica Hampshire