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.

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.

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Find a Solar Recycler near you

We’re working with leading partners to fast-track a comprehensive solar panel recycling system in Australia. Our pilot program has already created real, on-the-ground recycling options across multiple locations. Find your closest pilot recycler.

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Repowering and obsolescence of solar farms

This document explores the concept of repowering solar farms, examining its definition, typical timeframes, case studies and relevant references. It also addresses the critical issue of obsolescence in solar farms, covering its definition, contributing factors, impacts, and the development of an effective obsolescence plan for a large-scale solar farm.

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Decommissioning and Repowering of Large Scale Solar Plants

This project aimed to create a comprehensive database of Australia’s large-scale solar plants, estimate decommissioning timelines and waste volumes, and assess repowering potential. Furthermore, the project sought to understand industry perspectives on solar panel decommissioning, including contractual obligations, recycling awareness, willingness to sell modules, cost expectations, and opinions on the proposed national stewardship scheme.

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Solar module recycling

The global shift to renewable energy sources, led by solar photovoltaic (PV) technology, has ushered in an era of extraordinary growth. However, this rapid expansion presents a growing challenge: managing end-of-life solar modules. As the first wave of largescale solar installations reach the end of their operational life, the need for effective and sustainable recycling solutions becomes increasingly important. This report analyses the complex landscape of solar module recycling, offering a comprehensive overview of the technologies, policies, and advancements shaping this vital sector.

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Solar Module Product Stewardship - Reuse Desktop Study

This desktop literature review has been prepared for the Smart Energy Council to assist in identifying priority actions to promote the re-use of decommissioned solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. Note that the recommendations outlined in this report do not form policy recommendations by or on behalf of the Smart Energy Council or the Queensland State Government, rather they reflect the consolidated learnings from the desktop review.

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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.