Key Elements for Solar Panel Recycling
The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water will hold a public hearing on 3rd June 2026. This hearing, part of an inquiry initiated by the Minister for the Environment and Water, Senator the Hon Murray Watt, was referred on 19 January 2026.
Officials from the CSIRO will present their cutting-edge photovoltaic research projects. These include advancements in printable solar cells, perovskite-based cells, and tandem cells. Such innovations may significantly impact the development of a circular economy for solar panels in Australia.
Committee Chair, Ms Anne Urquhart MP, expressed the importance of discussing CSIRO’s pioneering research aimed at boosting the reuse and recycling potential of solar panels. “The Committee will discuss the innovative research work the CSIRO is undertaking on solar cell development to enhance the reuse and recycling potential of future solar panels,” she said.
Barriers to Solar Panel Recycling
The hearing will thoroughly explore the barriers to effective solar panel recycling as identified by CSIRO in their submission. These barriers include the pressing need for more research and development to find sustainable recycling methods for materials like silicon, silver, and copper.
Ms. Urquhart also highlighted a significant concern over the current lack of capital investment necessary for acquiring specialised recycling machinery. This equipment is crucial for advancing a circular economy model for solar panels.
Scheduled from 10:00 am to 11:00 am AEST, the public hearing will be held at Committee Room 1R6, Parliament House, Canberra. It will also be accessible online through an audio broadcast at aph.gov.au/live. Interested parties can find further information, including the terms of reference, on the Committee’s website.
The Committee encourages public involvement by inviting submissions to the inquiry and offering options to track the Committee’s progress and receive updates. Those interested can visit the Committee’s website to participate and stay informed.
Related Articles
Last updated: 29 June 2026, 11:56 am
