What Happens to Solar Panels When They Die?

What Happens to Solar Panels in Victoria When They Die?

Renewable energy – it's a dynamic world out there, that’s for sure!

With the global demand for solar panels reaching new heights, the ethical side of solar panel disposal is finally getting its time in the spotlight. Beyond their primary job of capturing clean energy, understanding what happens when solar panels retire is now a crucial part of the sustainability conversation.

Here’s the thing: take a closer look at that budget-friendly solar panel company you've got your eye on, and you might discover not only are their panels not as high-performing as they boast, but there's an ethical question mark hanging over their production.

This article is your guide through the intricate maze of solar panel recycling in Victoria. We're delving into the ethical complexities surrounding their end-of-life journey and taking a deep dive into the crucial role of ESG-aligned choices in shaping the future of fully-electrified homes in Victoria.

So, let's kick things off with the basics.

Why is solar panel recycling important?

Let's explore the ethical dilemmas that underscore the urgency of solar panel recycling in Victoria.

Unfortunately, the production of solar panels in this “boom” era carries with it a hidden truth: solar panels’ end-of-life disposal. In a world witnessing huge growth in the solar industry, the demand for panels has surged, ushering in a wave of inexpensively made models with ethical concerns.

The primary components of panels - predominantly glass, polymer, and aluminium - may house hazardous materials like lead, copper, and zinc, especially in the case of cheaply manufactured panels. Moreover, the ethical questionability of the silicone production process in these panels has recently come to light.

Presently, the fate of almost all broken or expired solar panels in the country is landfill, a situation environmental experts have long warned about. It's estimated that over 100,000 tonnes of solar modules will meet the same fate by 2035.

Australia has only a handful of solar panel recycling plants, with Reclaim PV in Adelaide standing out as one of the most significant. Unfortunately, Victoria currently lacks similar essential programs.

As these solar panel materials end up in landfills, they inevitably contribute to Earth's growing pollution issue. The uncomfortable truth is that neglecting responsible disposal practices tarnishes the green promise of solar energy.

With approximately 3 million Australian homes now equipped with rooftop solar PV panels, the solar energy surge that began around 2010 is about to translate into a significant increase in the number of panels reaching the end of their lifespan. Predictions indicate that over 100,000 tonnes of solar modules will find their way into Australian landfills by 2035.

A crucial question now hangs in the balance: Can the environmental cost of this impending waste crisis be minimised?

What’s so difficult about solar panel recycling?

Unfortunately, there are huge complexities woven into the process of giving solar panels a second life. The conventional challenge lies in the lengthy and expensive process of dismantling and separating their components.?

However, a glimmer of hope now emanates from the research laboratories of Deakin University.

Recently, researchers have pioneered a new thermal and chemical technique designed to extract silicon from obsolete panels. What sets their method apart is its reliance on complex heating and chemical processes that omit the use of dangerous chemicals for extracting valuable silicon. This not only makes the process more viable but also positions it as an environmentally friendly alternative.

The implications of this breakthrough extend beyond mere recycling; the nanoparticle material made from silicon proves to be economically enticing. With an approximate value of AU$45,000 per kilogram for nano silicon, the financial incentive adds a new layer to the recycling discourse.?

As we explore this innovative avenue, questions arise: can this technology revolutionise the recycling landscape, and what role will it play in reshaping the industry?

What is the problem with silicone in solar panels?

The problem with unethical silicone and solar panels lies at the intersection of renewable energy goals and the ethical concerns surrounding forced labour in the production of solar modules around the world.?

Here's a breakdown of the key issues:

Cheap solar panels for sale in Victoria are more likely to contain silicone manufactured by forced labour

The primary ethical concern surrounding the use of silicon in solar panels revolves around forced labour in the production of solar modules - particularly solar-grade polysilicon.

Research from Sheffield Hallam University's Helena Kennedy Center for International Justice has recently revealed a swathe of forced labour infiltrating global solar supply chains. Solar modules, constituting 95% of solar panels, heavily rely on solar-grade polysilicon. Alarmingly, 45% of the world's supply of solar-grade polysilicon comes from regions of the world in which forced labour is known to occur.

The need for transparency regarding solar panel sales in Victoria

Supply chain transparency is crucial in identifying and addressing ethical issues associated with solar panels.

To begin, product information and genomes provide a predictive bill of materials, allowing organisations and individuals alike the opportunity to carefully scrutinise the components of their prospective panels and uncover potential health-related and ethical risks.

Understanding the interconnected nature of the supply chain, including tier-one and sub-suppliers, enhances visibility and aids in the making of more thoughtfully informed decisions.

What’s more, transparency facilitates tracking trading partners and their connections, offering a clearer picture of the origins of purchased products.

Ethical sourcing of solar panel materials

Recognising that perfection is elusive, organisations, manufactures, and individuals alike can take action by mapping their supply chain and conducting thorough evaluations of potential suppliers.

Put simply, it’s important to ask your solar retailer the big questions about how and where your panels are made.

What happens when you cross a saturated solar market with a lack of solar panel recycling facilities?

Unfortunately, the lack of a national solar recycling initiative means that more often than not, your panels are likely to end up in landfill - of course, a situation that’s vastly dependent on where you live in Australia.

And as you can imagine, for many consumers, this would once-and-for-all disrupt the very reason why they installed solar in the first place: the increase the value and sustainability potential of their home.

The solution? Opt for solar panels for sale in Victoria that are ethically made - much like our SunPower Maxeon and REC models.?

What are ESGs in relation to solar panels?

ESGs santdas for “ethical, sustainable, and governed standards” and choices in the solar industry.?

As you can now imagine, ESG considerations and ESG-aligned choices are now becoming increasingly crucial for Victorian corporations, investors, and consumers alike.?

The solar industry, with its aspirations for a more sustainable tomorrow, is poised to play a pivotal role in fostering a conscientious energy landscape. However, it can often be difficult to understand what steps you, as an individual homeowner, can take to ensure your solar journey is more ethically aligned.?

When you decide to buy solar panels, asking your solar panel retailer ESG-related questions about your solar panels is a key tactic.

What questions should I ask my solar panel retailer?

Wondering how to avoid the myriad of issues we’ve just discussed? We get it.

Here are three great questions to ask your solar panel retailer that help assess the ethics of the panels you’re considering:

• What is the solar panels’ brand and type, and where were the components made?
• What’s included in my warranty? (Look for parts and labour warranty - not one or the other)
• How long has the manufacturer been in business? Were they previously known under different names??

All in all, if the solar company you’re considering is offering products with a warranty that totals fewer years than the company itself has been around, we suggest proceeding with utmost caution.?

In our experience, this can often indicate a sub-quality or “flash in the pan” product that’s more likely to be unethical, unsustainable, or of high likelihood of early replacement (and, thus, a trip to landfill).

Wrapping up

Are you looking for trusted, generous, hassle-free advice regarding solar panels for sale in Victoria, plus more info on the brands and models we stock and recommend here at G Store?

Visit our Learning Centre’s collection of solar panel articles and guides today, check out our range of solar solutions online, or give our award-winning G Store team a call today on 1300 766 940.

We can’t wait to chat with you!