Led by PhD student Ishika Chhillar, the UniSA study highlights technical, regulatory, and economic hurdles that currently prevent large-scale reuse of solar panels. Australia's installed systems, typically lasting 20-30 years, are often replaced earlier, and the Australian Energy Council expects end-of-life panels to total 280,000 tonnes by year's end.
Chhillar's research calls for a national approach to certification, testing, and reuse, arguing that recycling alone cannot solve the issue. "The large-scale reuse of PV panels faces technical, economic and regulatory barriers," she explains. "The low cost of new panels undercuts resale, and inconsistent policies across states deter businesses from handling used panels."
She says the absence of a national reuse framework or certification standard fuels uncertainty among installers and buyers. "Currently, the lack of any standard certification for used panels means buyers and installers have little to rely on besides a seller's word, but an official certification process would change that," Chhillar notes.
Her team proposes a grading system - such as gold, silver, or bronze - to rate remaining efficiency and lifespan, backed by standardized testing and certification. This would allow consumers to make informed decisions and encourage confidence in the secondary market.
Associate Professor Sukhbir Sandhu, who studies sustainability and social innovation, adds that digital tracking could further support reuse efforts. "If each solar panel's history and performance data could be recorded in a database accessible to buyers and regulators, it would dramatically reduce uncertainty," she says.
Such digital traceability, possibly via blockchain or QR-coded "digital passports," could help panels retain value through multiple lifecycles, cutting waste while maximizing investment in clean energy infrastructure.
"By embracing a structured approach to the repurposing of solar panels, the renewable energy sector can significantly extend the lifecycle of these resources, contributing to a more sustainable, efficient and circular economy," Sandhu concludes.
Research Report:Certification for Solar Panel Reuse: A Systematic Review of Cross-Sector Practices and Gaps
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