GRANTS 11 November 2024

PV Industries: Circular Solar Phase 2

7 min read
PV Industries: Circular Solar Phase 2

PV Industries proudly introduces the PV Industries: Circular Solar Phase 2. This project, part of NSW Environment Protection Authority's (EPA) Circular Solar Grants program, builds on the success of our Circular Solar Trial project. This project has been funded under the NSW Environment Protection Authority's (EPA) Circular Solar grants program.

1. Project Overview

The EPA is supporting this project through its Circular Solar Grants Program with funding of $2,371,580. This forward-thinking initiative is poised to establish a robust circular economy for solar panels, lithium-ion batteries, and inverters in New South Wales (NSW). In alignment with circular economy principles, the project emphasises the promotion of reuse, repair, refurbishment, and sustainable end-of-life processing, diverting valuable materials away from landfills.

2. Project Outcomes

This comprehensive project will deliver several key outcomes:

High-Capacity Recycling Facility

Establish a high-capacity recycling facility in Sydney, leveraging PV Industries' innovative "De-framer" and "De-glasser" technology and include a commercial prototype for recycling the PV laminate.

Reverse Collection Network

Implement a reverse collection and logistics network to serve both metro and regional NSW that will maximise transport efficiency, divert waste from landfills, create jobs, and keep recycling efforts localised.

Inverter Support

Onshore warranty support and end-of-life processing for inverters.

Testing Solution Commercialisation

Commercialise PV Industries' solar panel testing solution allowing solar panel installers to test solar panels in position without individual removal, optimising performance and generating instant reports for clients.

Glass End-Markets

Develop end-markets for recovered solar panel glass particularly in high-value construction applications.

3. Background Information

PV Industries, the leading solar panel recycling and resource recovery company in Australia, has assembled a robust project team to tackle industry challenges. This team is supported by a strong network of partners including the University of New South Wales (UNSW).

4. Project Impact

The PV Industries: Circular Solar Phase 2 project is a testament to PV Industries' commitment to innovation, sustainability, and responsible resource management. This pioneering effort is set to elevate NSW's position in the circular economy landscape, creating a shift in how we approach and manage end-of-life solar technologies.

5. Leadership Vision

Timothy Dawson, CEO of PV Industries, expressed excitement about addressing the growing waste issue in NSW, emphasising the project's support for the expanding solar industry. The ongoing initiative will further divert solar panel waste from landfills, boost economic activity, and showcase the business case for a safe and sustainable circular solar and battery economy in NSW.

6. CEO Statement

"The ongoing support from the NSW EPA has provided PV Industries with a strong foundation to deliver viable recycling solutions and be market leaders both domestically and internationally," says Timothy Dawson. "The Phase 2 grant funding has allowed PV Industries to consolidate its findings from the Circular Solar Trial and begin to scale up our solutions for the circular solar economy."

7. Industry Collaboration

If you are part of the solar industry and you would like to learn how you can help support this important project you can contact the project team at https://www.pvindustries.com.au/contact/ or contact us using the button below.

This program was made possible thanks to funding from the NSW EPA's Circular Solar grants program: https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/working-together/grants/infrastructure-fund/circular-solar-trials