UPDATE: A groundbreaking study from the University of South Australia reveals that digital passports could significantly reduce electronic waste from aging solar panels in Australia. With an estimated 280,000 tonnes of solar panels projected to reach the end of their lifespan by 2025, this innovative solution is urgently needed to address the looming waste crisis.
The study, published in the Sustainability journal, highlights the potential of a certification process that could extend the lifecycle of solar technology. Researchers analyzed over 63 publications and found that reusing older solar panels, rather than recycling them, could drastically lower emissions. “Recycling, although beneficial, emits more emissions due to the energy necessary to break down and process the materials,” the study stated.
As Australia continues to embrace rooftop solar at record levels—more than 4 million households are currently using solar panels—the need for effective management of end-of-life solar technology has never been more critical. “Reusing solar panels can help to further cut emissions by prolonging their lifespan and lowering the need for new manufacturing,” said Ishika Chhillar, a PhD student involved in the study.
However, significant barriers remain, including the decreasing price of solar technology and a lack of government incentives for panel reuse. “The large-scale reuse of PV panels faces technical, economic, and regulatory barriers,” Chhillar emphasized.
One proposed solution involves issuing digital passports to decommissioned solar panels, allowing for their repair and refurbishment. These panels would receive gold, silver, or bronze certifications based on their efficiency. For instance, bronze-rated panels with less than 60 percent efficiency could be recycled, while gold and silver panels could be redeployed for household use or community projects.
This national process for testing and rating panels could save both money and environmental waste. “Currently, the lack of any standard certification for used panels means buyers and installers have little to rely on besides a seller’s word,” Chhillar explained. “An official certification process would change that, bridging the trust gap and transforming reused panels into a transparent and standardized product category.”
Co-author Assoc Prof Sukhbir Sandhu noted that recording the past use of solar panels in a digital passport could enhance future user confidence. Drawing parallels from established practices in electronics and batteries, the proposed certification process could revolutionize how solar panels are managed.
As Australia grapples with the impending wave of electronic waste, the urgency for collaboration between industry, government, and academia is paramount. “With the right frameworks in place, Australia can extend the life of its solar panels,” Chhillar concluded.
The implications of this study are profound, offering a viable path toward sustainability while addressing the urgent need to manage electronic waste responsibly. With millions of households relying on solar energy, the time to act is NOW.
