The Queensland Government has officially opened the first 15 sites for its pilot programme focused on the recycling, reuse, and recovery of solar panels, aiming to prevent around 26 tonnes of waste from ending up in landfills.
In collaboration with the Smart Energy Council, this initiative is set to enhance solar panel recycling throughout the state while promoting best practices within the renewable energy sector by fostering greater community engagement.
Launch Details and Collection Sites
The Solar Panel Stewardship programme was inaugurated in Redlands during the Community Cabinet meeting, unveiling six collection locations, which include Capalaba and North Lakes in the greater Brisbane area, as well as sites on the Gold Coast, in Rockhampton, Toowoomba, and Townsville. Further sites are expected to be announced shortly, expanding the reach across significant areas of Queensland.
This pilot initiative benefits from nearly $5.5 million in funding, sourced from the Queensland Government’s Recycling and Jobs Fund and a grant from the Queensland Renewable Energy Industry Association aimed at facilitating the recovery of end-of-life solar panels.
Goals and Expected Outcomes
The stewardship pilot aims to evaluate the practicality of collecting, reusing, and recycling solar panels from residential properties, businesses, and solar farms, thus contributing to a marked decrease in landfill waste.
This programme is designed not only to lay the groundwork for future expansions but also to inform the development of a national stewardship scheme.
Additionally, the trial will integrate two regional “legacy runs” where local councils will collect household solar panels for retrieval, involving installers and importers who have accumulated excess stock.
Partnerships and Industry Support
Companies participating in this pilot include recycling and reuse specialists Rexel, Resolarcycle, and Solar Shift, with the Smart Energy Council collaborating closely with local councils to facilitate the rollout.
Mick de Brenni, Queensland’s Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs, remarked, “Queensland is not only the frontrunner in rooftop solar energy but is also setting the benchmark in solar panel recycling.”
He further noted, “Transforming old solar panels into valuable resources empowers Queensland’s circular economy, fostering job creation, innovation, and a cleaner future.”
Statements from Officials
Mr de Brenni asserted that the programme represents pioneering efforts, with both the Smart Energy Council and the state government committed to establishing Queensland as a leader in renewable recycling.
Leanne Linard, Minister for the Environment and Great Barrier Reef as well as Minister for Innovation and Science, expressed that the initiation of collections for this trailblazing solar panel stewardship pilot marks a significant achievement. The effort aims to develop a best-practice recovery scheme, enabling panels to either gain a second life or be recycled to the highest standards.
She added, “I’m encouraged by the robust interest from recyclers and local councils and look forward to the pilot’s successful completion and subsequent evaluation to inform a permanent scheme.”
Community Perspectives
Don Brown, Member for Capalaba, highlighted the importance of the initiative for the local community, stating that with over 40,000 solar systems operating in the Redlands area alone, this programme is a vital step towards supporting their circular economy.
Kim Richards, Member for Redlands, emphasised the importance of recycling for the Bayside community, assuring residents that their solar panels would contribute to sustainability rather than landfill waste. “Thanks to the partnership between the Queensland Government and the Smart Energy Council, Queensland—and particularly the Redlands—is leading the charge in solar panel recycling,” she said.
Industry Investment and Future Prospects
John Grimes, Chief Executive of the Smart Energy Council, stated that the Queensland Solar Stewardship Scheme has already sparked considerable investment in solar panel recovery and recycling, with over five new companies eagerly entering the market in the region.
Mr Grimes conveyed his excitement about launching this significant initiative, emphasising that the recycling ecosystem is essential for ensuring the success of the renewable energy transition and providing security against future material shortages, such as copper and silver.
He remarked, “Queensland is quickly becoming a national hotspot for the circular economy, attracting substantial investment.”