Committee to hear from lead department on circular economy benefits and impediments for solar panels

THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water will hold its first public hearing on Wednesday, April 1, as part of its inquiry into solar panel reuse and recycling. The inquiry was referred on January 19 by the Minister for the Environment and Water, Senator Murray Watt.

The public hearing will provide an opportunity for the committee to question officials from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water about current policy settings, regulatory arrangements and future options to improve the sustainability and circularity of Australia’s solar energy system.

The committee has received submissions from all levels of government, various businesses, peak associations and individuals in the sector.

Committee Chair, Anne Urquhart MP, said, "The public hearing provides an important opportunity to examine the department’s views on Australia’s preparedness for managing end‑of‑life solar panels as installations continue to grow nationwide, and the opportunities and challenges associated with expanding domestic reuse and recycling capabilities. 

“Australia has one of the highest rates per capita of rooftop solar panel installation in the world.” Ms Urquhart said. “As we continue to transition to renewable energy, we must ensure that the components of the system we build—in this case the solar panels—do not become a long-term environmental and economic burden."

Australia’s circular economy framework will be discussed, and how it aligns with the views expressed by industry stakeholders and environmental groups in submissions to the inquiry. The committee will also discuss the current and potential viable panel reuse streams in the local economy, and how this could be fostered.

Public hearing details:

Date:               Wednesday, 1 April 2026
Time:               10am to 11am (AEDT)
Location:         Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House Canberra and online.

The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.

Hearing with:   Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water

Further information, including the terms of reference, can be found on the committee’s website.

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