NSW Powers Ahead with National Solar Panel Recycling Scheme

3 days ago

2 min read

Australia leads the world in rooftop solar installations—but what happens when those panels reach end-of-life? On 15 August 2025, the NSW Government took a major step by presenting a proposal at the Energy and Climate Change Ministerial Council in Sydney for a national solar panel stewardship scheme. This plan will ensure panels are recycled or remanufactured, not relegated to landfill.

Why Solar Panel Recycling Matters

• Rapid growth in solar waste– 59,340 tonnes in 2025– 91,165 tonnes projected by 2030

• Recycling rate today: less than 5%

• 95% of panel materials are recyclable: aluminium, glass, copper, silver, silicon

• Potential clean energy if materials reused: up to 24 GW by 2040—enough to power six million homes annually

Without action, millions of panels will accumulate in landfill, squandering valuable resources and posing environmental risks.

NSW Leading the Charge

Building on its mandatory battery stewardship program, NSW proposes to:

Develop a national mandatory solar stewardship scheme.
Make suppliers responsible for panel design, recycling, and disposal.
Support new remanufacturing and recycling industries.

The Federal Government, via ARENA, is also funding low-cost recycling technology trials to scale solutions nationwide.

Jobs & Industry Benefits

A thriving solar recycling sector will:

• Create thousands of local jobs in remanufacturing and processing

• Retain valuable materials onshore instead of exporting them

• Foster a circular economy in the renewable energy sector

“Recycling panels here means more work for Australians in the renewable supply chain, instead of losing valuable materials offshore.”– Brad Pidgeon, Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union

Industry Voices Call for Action

• John Grimes, CEO of the Smart Energy Council:“Four million panels come off roofs every year, but less than five per cent are recycled. The time for talk has passed.”

• Penny Sharpe, NSW Minister for Climate Change:“We’re proud to be leading on solar panel stewardship, building on our reform of batteries.”

The next step is a national pilot scheme to guide regulation and jump-start recycling efforts.

What It Means for Homeowners & Businesses

Thinking about solar? Recycling might not top your list—but it’s crucial for a sustainable future. By choosing quality panels and trusted installers, you can:

• Secure long-lasting clean energy

• Support responsible end-of-life management

• Prepare for upcoming recycling programs