How to recycle solar panels in Australia?

As solar energy adoption surges across Australia, the need for efficient solar panel recycling Australia solutions for end-of-life solar PV panels is becoming increasingly urgent. With millions of solar panels expected to reach their end-of-life in the coming decades, establishing a recycling facility presents both an environmental necessity and a lucrative business opportunity. The following are the key steps to the solar panel recycling process in Australia.

End-of-life solar PV panels recycling process

Step 1: Administrative Approval and Compliance Preparation

The first step in establishing a solar panel recycling Australia plant is completing the necessary administrative approvals. There's a two-tiered regulatory framework: at the federal level, the Product Stewardship Act 2011 and the Environment, Environment and Public Utilities Act 1999 must be complied with, while solar-intensive states like New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland implement additional e-waste regulations. Crucially, operators must obtain three key approvals—local council permits, environmental approvals, and industrial land use rights—while strategically leveraging state-level green incentives, such as Victoria's Circular Economy Grant or New South Wales' Waste Strategy, to offset initial capital costs.

Waste solar panel recycling plant

Step 2: Site Selection and Facility Planning

Scientific and reasonable site selection is crucial for subsequent operations in the solar panel recycling process. It is recommended to give priority to regions with large-scale solar installations, such as New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia. These regions can ensure a stable supply of scrapped solar panels and significantly reduce logistics costs. The ideal site must meet several key requirements, including complete industrial infrastructure, stable power supply and wastewater treatment systems; convenient transportation, preferably close to major highways or ports; and sufficient space to properly accommodate all functional areas from raw material storage and processing to finished product storage. The overall size of the facility will be carefully determined based on the expected recycling volume to ensure operational efficiency.

Step 3: Recycling Equipment Selection and Commissioning

With the completion of the construction phase, attention shifts to the installation of solar panel recycling equipment, where selecting the optimal solar panel recycling system is paramount. Equipment selection and spatial arrangement must be carefully planned according to the factory dimensions and anticipated recycling throughput. Post-installation, thorough operational trials are necessary to evaluate performance and ensure proper functioning of all integrated systems for the solar panel recycling process.

Henan Doing photovoltaic panel recycling machine

DOING is a trusted provider of turnkey solar panel recycling Australia solutions, with 14+ years of experience in equipment customization, manufacturing, and global exports. Designed for high efficiency and automation, our intelligent production lines can process multiple solar panel types and sizes commonly found in the Australian market, maximizing resource recovery. Whether for glass separation or high-purity metal extraction, our solutions deliver cost-effective, large-scale processing—supporting sustainable solar waste management and Australia's circular energy economy.

In terms of environmental protection, DOING's solar panel recycling process equipment is equipped with an advanced pulse dust removal system to ensure compliance with Australia's National Environmental Protection Measures (NEPM). In terms of service, from customized equipment design to installation of solar panel recycling equipment, commissioning, and operator training, our team ensures seamless integration and optimal performance. Beyond setup, DOING provides comprehensive after-sales support, including maintenance, troubleshooting, and operational guidance—so your solar panel recycling Australia business runs smoothly for years to come.

Doing solar recycling equipment professional service team

Ready to establish your solar panel recycling process facility in Australia? Contact us today for expert guidance on installation of solar panel recycling equipment, regulatory compliance, and plant optimization to ensure your recycling operation meets industry standards while maximizing profitability. Let's discuss how we can support your project - reach out now for a consultation.