CRC-P: Machine Learning Driven Large-Scale Solar Panel Recycling Process

In January 2024, PV Industries proudly received the Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) Grant, marking a significant milestone for our business. With a duration of three years and $3 million in funding from the Federal Government, this initiative exemplifies forward-thinking and innovation.

This project lays the groundwork for robust solutions to address the substantial volumes of future PV waste. By focusing on enhancing process capacity and implementing machine learning technologies, we aim to drive increased efficiencies in our operations.

Project Outcomes

• Advance development of 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
• Establish a high-capacity solar panel recycling facility designed specifically to handle the decommissioning of solar farms.
• Develop end-markets for recovered solar panel glass particularly in high-value construction applications

Background Information

Australia has installed over 100 million solar panels, boasting the highest per-capita penetration in the world. However, the surge of solar panel e-waste presents a challenge, as their stated 25-year lifespan can be shortened by various faults and defects that are hard and costly to detect manually. Globally, there is no efficient recycling solution to accommodate the exponential growth in solar panel waste, and higher value end-markets for materials remain undeveloped. PV Industries, in collaboration with ReSource, UNSW, and Spark Renewables, is pioneering a large-scale, high-volume solar panel testing and recycling process from decommissioning to end-markets, utilising machine learning to optimise both environmental and economic outcomes.

“This CRC-P funding will see PV Industries deliver the largest bespoke solar panel recycling facility in Australia” says Troy Rowe, PV Industries Director.

Information regarding all successful round 15 CRC-P projects can be found here.

‍