Queensland Household Solar Panel Recovery Pilot Program
The Queensland Household Solar Panel Recovery Pilot, supported by the state government and the Smart Energy Council, established crucial data on recycling solar panels. Over 5,000 panels were tested, with 37% passing, leading to the deployment of commercial recycling processes. The project highlighted the need for a national stewardship scheme to manage the 60,000+ tonnes of end-of-life panels, paving the way for a $24.7 million national pilot in 2026.
Key Findings of the Pilot Program (as of late 2025/early 2026):
Performance Testing: Out of 5,067 panels tested via visual inspection, 2,200 underwent electrical (EL/IV) testing, with 1,869 panels (37%) passing wet leakage tests, indicating suitability for secondary use.
Recycling Focus: While some panels were suitable for reuse, the pilot's primary output was ensuring all collected panels were sent for recycling, proving that high-value materials—silver, copper, aluminium, and high-purity silicon—can be recovered.
Regional Impact: The project established collection sites to address the growing stockpile of waste, specifically targeting the high adoption rate of rooftop solar in Queensland.
Economic Opportunity: Recoverable materials from panels are estimated to represent a $6.5 billion opportunity by 2040, driving the need for a national product stewardship scheme to manage the increasing volume of,000 tonnes of waste.
Logistics Challenges: A major finding was that the high cost of transporting panels to recycling facilities often exceeds the cost of landfill, highlighting the need for a sustainable funding mechanism (stewardship scheme) to support recycling.
Future Direction:
The success of the Queensland pilot in 2024-2025, which saw over 60 organizations calling for action in September 2025, directly influenced the announcement of a $24.7 million national solar panel recycling pilot in January 2026, aimed at establishing 100 collection sites.
Queensland Household Solar Panel Recovery Pilot Final Report September 2025
Queensland Solar Panel Recovery Program Frequently Asked Questions
OTHER REFERENCES