Victoria launches push for new solar panel recycling options

Victoria’s Labor government launched a call for innovators to develop news ways of recycling solar panels with $10 million Solar Waste Challenge.

The state’s minister for solar homes, Lily D’Ambrosio, launched late last week the Solar Waste Challenge. The $10 million Challenge is calling on innovators to apply for investment funding to support the development of new or improved solar panel recycling.

According to the Victorian government, there are currently only limited options for managing and recycling solar panel waste. However, with more than 187,000 tonnes of solar panels expected to enter Victoria’s waste stream by 2035, the need for better recycling options is critical.

“Our Solar Waste Challenge is an example of how we are working with industry and innovators in our nation-leading clean energy transition, while proactively addressing potential environmental impacts,” said D’Ambrosio.

“We’ve helped 200,000 households and businesses to install solar – driving down power bills and emissions – and now we’re creating more jobs and new industries as we boost Victoria’s recycling to meet our clean energy transition.”

Investment funding will be available for new or improved technologies that will help to recycle or reuse solar panels, ensuring they stay out of the waste stream.

The new Solar Waste Challenge builds off the back of the state’s $1.3 billion Solar Homes Program, which has helped almost 200,000 Victorian households install solar panel systems.

This investment has already helped to cut the state’s carbon emissions by 1.6 million tonnes – the equivalent of taking nearly 400,000 cars off the road.

By 2025, household solar is expected to generate 12.5% of the state’s 40% renewable energy target. The Program is also supporting 4,500 clean energy jobs.