Circular Economy Pathways for PV Waste Management in Australia

Photovoltaic (PV) technologies are an emergent solution in the renewable energy industry due to their low carbon emission benefits. PVs are evolving and being installed at an increasing rate worldwide. However, if mismanaged, PVs at their end-of- life can represent a toxic hazard and a loss of valuable materials. This study aims to build upon existing research on PV waste management by drawing on circular economy concepts. Derived from the literature, the ReSOLVE framework and the 10 Rs for circularity are used to unveil potential pathways for circular PV waste management in Australia. The methodology for the research used qualitative methods and design thinking processes. Nineteen semi-structured interviews with stakeholders from academia, government, PV organisations, installers and retailers provided valuable insights, which were used to develop the outcomes of the study. These insights were overlapped with desktop research, which resulted in a system theory diagram and related actions proposed for each stakeholder to support the creation of a circular PV waste management system in Australia. The results of the research provided suggestions in three segments; regulations, policy and social, as these need to be addressed simultaneously to enable behavioural change. Social research methods are required to address the lack of trust and transparency that are necessary to create a circular PV waste management system. Social collaboration can take place when there is a regulatory framework that aligns with local/national infrastructure and technical capacity. Research on technical development in environmentally friendly recycling processes, safety and performance certifications for reused PV panels and recovered materials is fundamental for creating circular markets for PV waste.