Committee to shine light on solar waste and reuse opportunities

THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water will hold a public hearing in Canberra on Tuesday, October 6, as part of its inquiry into solar panel reuse and recycling.  

Following industry site visits in Sydney and Wagga Wagga, the committee will hear evidence from industry, researchers and government stakeholders on opportunities and challenges in Australia's solar panel recycling and reuse sector, including how the industry can respond to growing volumes of end-of-life solar panels.

Committee Chair, Anne Urquhart MP, said, "The committee has seen firsthand the work already being undertaken by manufacturers, recyclers and researchers across the sector. Through this inquiry, we want to better understand the capabilities that currently exist, the challenges facing industry, and how Australia can prepare for the growing number of solar panels that will reach the end of their life in the years ahead.

“We are interested in exploring the potential policy settings, infrastructure investments and regulatory measures that could support a sustainable and economically viable solar panel reuse and recycling sector,” Ms Urquhart said.

The inquiry was referred to the committee on January 19 this year by the Minister for the Environment and Water, Senator Murray Watt.

Public hearing details:

Date:               Tuesday, 6 October 2026
Time:               9am to 4:30pm AEDT
Location:         Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, ACT 2600

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

The committee will hear evidence from:

• Regional Development Australia Southern NSW & ACT
• Mr Wayne Peacock
• Halocell Energy Ltd
• Second Life Solar
• TSP Energy
• Circular Australia
• Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner
• Pan Pacific Recycling
• Product Stewardship Centre for Excellence

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

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