Find out about an exciting new project offering reuse and recycling solutions for solar PV panels and associated batteries and inverters.

Australia has the world’s highest installed solar PV capacity per capita, with about 30% of homes generating power on their roofs. But what will happen to those solar modules at the end of their useful life? Will the benefits of the clean, renewable energy revolution be overshadowed by the hazardous waste stream now emerging from the solar boom?

City of Newcastle, in conjunction with PV Industries and HunterNet, invites members of the solar power industry and waste management sector to learn about an innovative trial supporting the creation of a circular solar and battery economy in the Hunter Region.

Join us for this one-hour workshop to hear about:

  • The current state of play and expected waste trends from decommissioned rooftop solar systems across the Hunter.
  • Key outcomes of PV Industries’ Circular Solar Trial project, including reuse, repair, refurbishment, recycling and end-of-life solutions for solar panels, lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries and inverters.
  • The development and commissioning of a new recycling facility in Bankstown, with a processing capacity of up to 8,000 tonnes per annum.
  • The establishment of Summerhill Waste Management Centre as a regional aggregation point for solar panels, Li-ion batteries and inverters awaiting critical mass for transport to Bankstown.
  • Opportunities for installers and local councils to have stillages at their premises for transfer of solar PV waste to Summerhill, including pricing.

There’ll be time for an interactive discussion and a demonstration of machinery capable of separating 90% of a solar panel’s materials for immediate use in new applications. Also on display will be stillages suitable for storage, safe handling and transport.

PV Industries will also showcase their novel testing approach to assess the performance of in-field solar panels, including identifying faults and opportunities for repair, re-purposing or recycling.

Arrival: 10:35am for a 10:45am start. Refreshments will be served upon arrival.

Duration and format: The workshop will run for approximately one hour, with a light lunch and networking opportunity available afterwards.

Location: Summerhill Waste Management Centre, Summerhill Road (off Minmi Road), Wallsend. Please proceed on to the weighbridge upon arrival and await direction to the Administration Building.

Parking: Free parking is available in the Administration Building carpark. Please carpool where possible.

Click here to book.