Australia Faces 280,000 Tonnes Solar Panel Waste Surge in 2024

Australia is experiencing rapid growth in solar energy installations, with nearly 3.92 million photovoltaic systems producing 37.8 GW as of September 2024, but faces challenges with solar e-waste expected to reach 1.16 million tonnes by 2035. Efforts to recycle valuable materials and promote second-life solar panels are underway to reduce environmental impact and support a circular economy, contributing to national net-zero goals. The Australian government is actively promoting clean energy innovation internationally, exemplified by trade missions to India aimed at strengthening partnerships and expanding export opportunities in renewable technologies. India is also rapidly expanding its solar capacity, reaching approximately 116 GW by mid-2025, driven by large utility-scale projects and a booming rooftop solar market supported by government initiatives. Australia's High Commissioner to India highlighted the strong complementarity between the two countries in green technology, critical minerals, and skills development, emphasizing a long-term vision for collaboration in the renewable energy sector. Additionally, distributed rooftop solar is gaining momentum in China, exemplified by large-scale projects in Jiangsu province that provide economic benefits to rural communities and support the nation’s clean energy transition.