A new national research hub dedicated to addressing the growing challenge of solar panel waste has been launched at UNSW Sydney, marking what the university describes as an Australian-first initiative focused on photovoltaic recycling and sustainability.
The Australian Research Council (ARC) Hub for Photovoltaic Solar Panel Recycling and Sustainability was officially opened this week, supported by a $5 million grant from the ARC’s Industrial Transformation Research program.
According to UNSW Sydney, the Hub aims to develop solutions for managing end-of-life solar panels while supporting a transition toward a circular solar economy.
UNSW Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Enterprise, Professor Bronwyn Fox, said the initiative reflects the university’s focus on addressing emerging environmental challenges through research and collaboration.
“Photovoltaic waste in Australia is predicted to reach 100,000 tonnes annually by 2030. As we accelerate towards a net-zero future, we must ensure the technologies enabling that transition are themselves sustainable,” Prof. Fox said.
She added that the Hub would bring together engineers, scientists, policymakers and industry stakeholders to “transform end-of-life solar panels from an emerging waste challenge into a valuable resource,” contributing to a circular economy and supporting Australia’s clean energy ambitions.
Hub Director Professor Yansong Shen said the initiative comes as millions of solar installations across Australia approach the end of their operational life.
“End-of-life solar panels contain many valuable materials like glass, silicon, silver and copper,” Prof. Shen said.
“Our goal is to move these panels away from landfill and towards recycling in a circular economy where materials are recovered and reused.”
Research activities already underway include developing improved methods to recover valuable materials, advancing technologies to separate and sort panel components more efficiently, and exploring ways to redesign panels to make them easier to recycle.
The Hub will also focus on policy development by building a network of researchers aimed at improving the broader solar panel value chain. Prof. Shen said the long-term objective is to support the development of a domestic recycling industry.
“We want to help build a robust recycling industry in Australia that creates jobs, supports new supply chains and improves our sustainable energy security,” he said. “We will know we’ve achieved our objectives when solar panel waste is no longer seen as a problem, but as part of a sustainable system.”
The Hub was officially opened by Matt Thistlethwaite, Assistant Minister for Immigration and Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, who linked the initiative to Australia’s broader role in solar innovation.
“The stakes are real. If we get this right, there will be less landfill, new domestic supply chains for current materials, a more resilient energy sector, and perhaps most importantly, for students and early career researchers, new industries and new jobs that probably don’t exist yet,” Thistlethwaite said.
He also acknowledged the contribution of the research team and industry partners, stating that the initiative builds on Australia’s history in solar technology development while addressing the long-term sustainability of the sector.
