Australia’s rooftop solar revolution has delivered significant energy savings and emissions reductions, but as the first wave of panels reaches its end-of-life, a new challenge emerges: responsible recycling and disposal. In 2026, the landscape for solar panel recycling in Australia is evolving rapidly, with new government initiatives and private sector solutions emerging to manage the projected surge in waste.
For most Australians, recycling an end-of-life solar panel in 2026 will cost between $10 and $40 per panel, or roughly $500 to $1,000 per tonne. This cost typically covers professional disassembly and processing, though additional charges for removal and transportation will apply. While a national mandatory recycling scheme is still under development, significant federal and state investments are expanding options and making responsible disposal more accessible.
The Growing Challenge: Why Recycling Matters in 2026
Australia boasts one of the highest rates of rooftop solar uptake globally, with over 4.2 million homes and businesses powered by PV systems. However, this success means a looming waste challenge. By 2030, Australia is projected to generate approximately 90,000 tonnes of solar panel waste annually, skyrocketing to an estimated one million tonnes (or 50 million panels) by 2035.
Currently, only about 17% of retired solar panels are recycled, with the vast majority ending up in landfill, stockpiled, or exported. This practice not only squanders valuable resources like aluminium, glass, copper, silver, and silicon – which can be up to 95% recoverable – but also presents environmental risks. The primary barrier to higher recycling rates has been economic; recycling a panel has historically cost around six times more than sending it to landfill.
National Initiatives: Federal Pilot & Future Stewardship
The Australian Government is taking concrete steps to address this. In January 2026, it announced a $24.7 million National Solar Panel Recycling Pilot over three years. This pilot, administered by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), aims to:
- Establish up to 100 collection sites across Australia, with a focus on regional and remote areas.
- Target the collection and processing of up to 250,000 end-of-life panels from households, businesses, and some solar farms.
- Gather crucial data on collection logistics, transport costs, and processing economics to inform a future national, mandatory product stewardship scheme.
The Australian Government’s $24.7 million National Solar Panel Recycling Pilot, set to commence mid-2026, aims to recycle up to 250,000 panels and inform a future mandatory product stewardship scheme.
While the pilot is a significant first step, a comprehensive, mandatory product stewardship scheme under the Product Stewardship Act 2011 is expected to follow, though no firm timeline has been set. This scheme would aim to shift incentives away from disposal and towards a circular economy, potentially unlocking up to $7.3 billion in economic benefits through reduced landfill costs and material recovery.
Understanding the Costs: Removal vs. Recycling
When your solar panels reach the end of their lifespan, you’ll generally face two distinct costs: removal and recycling.
| Cost Type | Description | Estimated Range (AUD) | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panel Removal | Professional disconnection and physical removal from your roof. | $200 - $500 per panel; Minimum fees often $3,000+ | Number of panels, roof type (pitch, height, material), accessibility, labour rates ($50-$200/hour) |
| Panel Recycling | Processing the panels at a dedicated facility to recover materials. | $10 - $40 per panel or $500 - $1,000 per tonne | Panel type, logistics/transport distance, specific recycler’s fees |
| Removal + New Install | Removing old panels as part of installing a new system. | $650 - $1,900 (often included or a reduced fee) | Installer’s package deal, system size, complexity of new installation |
Some solar installers, particularly when you’re upgrading to a new system, may offer to manage the removal and recycling of your old panels as part of their service. Companies like PSC Energy, for instance, offer a flat fee of $650 for old system removal when installing a new one, including transport and recycling fees. Always clarify these costs upfront in your quote.
State-by-State Options and Developments in 2026
While the national pilot is underway, individual states are also implementing or developing their own programs and regulations:
Victoria
Victoria leads the nation with the most stringent regulations: it is currently the only Australian state with a mandatory ban on e-waste, including solar PV panels, entering landfill. The Victorian Government’s Solar Homes Program also mandates that participating retailers are responsible for the removal and end-of-life management of solar panels.
For Victorian homeowners looking to upgrade, the Solar Homes Program offers rebates of up to $1,400 for solar panel installations, plus an optional interest-free loan of up to $1,400. As of July 1, 2026, household taxable income eligibility for this rebate changed from $210,000 to $150,000 per year. Crucially, systems over 10 years old are now eligible for replacement rebates. This provides a strong incentive for responsible upgrades. You can learn more about these incentives in our guide: Australian Energy Rebates in 2026: Your State-by-State Guide After Federal Relief Ends
Western Australia
Western Australia is making significant strides in 2026. In June, the WA Government announced a $17.8 million investment in solar panel and embedded battery recycling initiatives, with $13 million specifically allocated to establish new collection, transport, and processing pathways for end-of-life panels from households and solar farms.
Perth is home to Cyber Recycling in Canning Vale, which opened in January 2026 with an initial processing capacity of 2,500 panels per year, set to expand significantly. However, it’s important to note that solar panels are not yet included in WA’s broader e-waste landfill ban.
Queensland
Queensland previously ran a solar panel recycling, reuse, and recovery pilot program (September 2024 to June 2025) in partnership with the Smart Energy Council. This pilot established six recovery sites in areas like Greater Brisbane (Capalaba, North Lakes), Gold Coast, Rockhampton, Toowoomba, and Townsville. While the pilot has concluded, the learnings are informing future policy for a nationwide solution.
South Australia
South Australia is home to SOLAREC SA in Adelaide, Australia’s first dedicated Photovoltaic (PV) Materials Recovery Facility (MRF). SOLAREC SA focuses on receiving, sorting, and pre-processing end-of-life panels, separating components like glass, metals, plastics, and silicon for downstream recyclers. The City of Mitcham’s Solar Recycling Program, launched in 2025, also won a Smart Energy Excellence Award in 2026 for its success in diverting panels and inverters from landfill. A feasibility study for a larger recycling hub in SA (including Port Pirie) also concluded in April 2026.
New South Wales
NSW is actively involved in the national effort, leading preliminary work on a Regulatory Impact Statement for a national mandatory product stewardship scheme for solar panels. Some local initiatives exist, such as a subsidised program for Mosman residents through PV Industries and free trials at MidWaste facilities in Port Macquarie-Hastings.
Recycling Solar Batteries
Beyond solar panels, the responsible disposal of solar batteries is also a critical consideration. As more Australians integrate home battery storage into their systems, the need for robust recycling pathways grows. The Australian Battery Recycling and Manufacturing Summit in Melbourne on September 17, 2026, highlights the increasing focus on this sector, which is already a $2.1 billion industry.
Several states, including WA and NSW, are developing or have plans for mandated battery stewardship programs. When upgrading or disposing of a solar battery, always check with your installer or local council for accredited recycling services. For more information on home battery options and rebates, consult our guide: Best Home Batteries in Australia 2026: Models, Costs & Up To $7,500 Rebates.
What to Do with Your Old Solar Panels in 2026
- Assess Condition: Before considering disposal, have a Clean Energy Council-approved installer assess your system. Many panels can continue operating for 25 years or more, and sometimes only an inverter or a few panels need replacement. Ask about repair options before replacing the entire system.
- Contact Your Installer: If you are upgrading your system, your new installer is often the first and best point of contact. They may offer removal and recycling services as part of the new installation package. Clarify costs and ensure they partner with certified e-waste solar recyclers.
- Check Local Council & E-waste Programs: Many local councils offer e-waste drop-off points or specific programs that may accept solar panels for a fee, or sometimes even for free during special collection events. Utilize services like Recycle Right to find local options.
- Specialist Recyclers: Companies like SOLAREC SA (SA) and Cyber Recycling (WA) specialise in solar panel recycling. The Smart Energy Council and Clean Energy Council can also be resources for finding accredited recyclers.
- Safe Removal: Regardless of the disposal method, ensure panels are removed safely and intact by qualified professionals. Intact panels allow for higher recovery rates of valuable materials.
Bottom Line
As of 2026, Australians have increasingly viable options for recycling end-of-life solar panels, moving beyond landfill. While a national mandatory scheme is still on the horizon, the federal pilot program and significant state investments, particularly in Victoria and Western Australia, are expanding infrastructure and services. Expect to pay between $10 and $40 per panel for recycling, plus removal costs which can range from $200-$500 per panel, or a reduced fee if bundled with a new system installation. Always prioritise professional removal and inquire about your installer’s recycling partnerships to ensure your old panels contribute to Australia’s circular energy economy.