Australia's Solar Waste Challenge: Innovative Solutions for End-of-Life Panels
Australia, the world leader in per-capita rooftop solar energy installations, faces a growing challenge with end-of-life solar panels. By the year's end, these are projected to reach 280,000 tons. University of South Australia researchers have proposed innovative solutions to tackle this waste problem and maximize the benefits of clean energy investments.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels typically last 20 to 30 years but often get replaced or removed earlier. A study led by UniSA Ph.D. student Ishika Chhillar found that simple recycling isn't enough to prevent most from ending up in landfills. Chhillar proposed a certification program with standardized testing and a consumer-friendly grading system to create a transparent, standardized product category for reused panels.
Associate Professor Sukhbir Sandhu suggested digital innovations like QR-code labels or blockchain-based platforms for traceability, enhancing transparency about a panel's suitability for reuse. The study, published in Sustainability (DOI: 10.3390/su17135995), identified ways to safely extend solar panels' life and reduce their overall environmental footprint. To mitigate waste and unlock clean energy's full potential, Australia could adopt national certification standards for sustainable solar module reuse. These standards would require expert assessments of modules' condition, including structural integrity and fire safety, preventing damage during installation or reuse. Organizations like national standardization bodies, industry associations, and research institutions are developing these norms, similar to Germany's ongoing DIN 18199.
Chhillar identified technical, economic, and regulatory barriers to large-scale PV panel reuse, such as low new panel costs, lack of incentives, inconsistent policies, and limited testing and refurbishing infrastructure. Addressing these challenges can help Australia manage its solar waste problem effectively and maximize the benefits of its significant clean energy investments.
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