Australian researchers are making strides in developing solutions for solar panel recycling and recover valuable materials like silver and copper.
As the solar energy industry continues to grow, addressing the disposal of end-of-life panels is becoming increasingly important.
In Australia alone, it’s estimated that over 100,000 tonnes of solar panels will need to be disposed of by 2035. These panels contain billions of dollars’ worth of materials that could potentially be recaptured and reused through recycling.
RMIT University in Melbourne is leading an international network of researchers working to advance the reuse and recycling of solar panels. Recently, they unveiled a new work and exhibition space at the site of engineering company EDIPAE in Tomelloso, Spain.
The facility will serve as a local hub for researchers and industry partners to collaborate on developing more efficient and cost-effective methods for recovering valuable materials from recycled solar panels like silver, silicon, and copper.
EDIPAE director Carlos Miralles Sánchez said as the network’s industry partner in Spain, his company was proud to contribute to a circular economy model for solar panels.
“We now have a physical space to work with researchers on a cheaper and easier recycling solution through this Australian technology,” Sánchez said.
“We also have a workshop for creating prototypes so ideas can be developed and exhibited to the public.”
The space houses a public exhibition showcasing different types of solar panels and the byproducts obtained after recycling them.
EDIPAE will also partner with local organisations to provide employment and training opportunities related to solar panel recycling.
According to RMIT’s Dr. Ylias Sabri, while solar panels help reduce carbon emissions, the infrastructure for scrapping and effectively recycling them at end-of-life has been lacking historically.
“Solar panels have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years and contain valuable metals including silver and copper,” he said.
“But there’s historically been little interest in recovering these strategic metals from discarded panels as it’s difficult and expensive to do, so they end up in landfill.”
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