Queensland Leads the Way in Solar Recycling with Innovative Program

The Queensland Government has launched an ambitious solar panel recycling, reuse, and recovery pilot program, marking a significant milestone in the state’s renewable energy journey. The first 15 recycling sites are now operational, with the initiative expected to prevent approximately 26 tons of waste from reaching landfills.

In collaboration with the Smart Energy Council, this program aims to extend solar panel recycling across Queensland, enhancing industry engagement with local communities. The Solar Panel Stewardship program, launched in Redlands during Community Cabinet, will eventually include 15 locations throughout the state, including key areas like Capalaba, North Lakes, Gold Coast, Rockhampton, Toowoomba, and Townsville.

Supported by nearly $5.5 million from the Queensland Government’s Recycling and Jobs Fund and the Queensland Renewable Energy Industry Association Grant, the program is designed to test the feasibility of large-scale solar panel collection, reuse, and recycling. The initiative not only aims to reduce landfill waste but also to pave the way for a national solar panel stewardship scheme.

The pilot includes regional “legacy runs,” where local councils will collect panels from households, and companies like Rexel, Resolarcycle, and Solar Shift will collaborate to gather accumulated stock from solar installers and importers. This effort will ensure that panels are either given a new lease on life or recycled to the highest standards, contributing to a sustainable future.

Queensland’s Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs, Mick de Brenni, emphasized the state’s leadership in both solar energy adoption and recycling. By turning old solar panels into valuable resources, Queensland is driving innovation, creating jobs, and building a circular economy that supports a cleaner future.

The strong interest from recyclers and local councils underscores the significance of this pilot. Minister for the Environment and Great Barrier Reef, Leanne Linard, highlighted that the program's success will be evaluated to inform the development of a permanent, best-practice recovery scheme for solar panels.

Local representatives, including Capalaba’s Don Brown and Redlands’ Kim Richards, praised the initiative for its impact on their communities. With tens of thousands of solar systems in regions like Redlands, this program offers peace of mind by ensuring that old panels are recycled responsibly, contributing to the region’s circular economy.

John Grimes, Chief Executive of the Smart Energy Council, noted that the Queensland Solar Stewardship Scheme has already sparked significant investment in solar panel recycling. The program is expected to attract new companies into Queensland’s recycling market, reinforcing the state’s position as a national leader in the circular economy.

With the launch of this pioneering solar recycling program, Queensland is not only leading the way in renewable energy adoption but also setting new standards in sustainability. The program’s success will play a crucial role in shaping the future of solar energy recycling across Australia, ensuring that the benefits of clean energy extend beyond power generation to encompass environmental stewardship and economic growth.

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