Climate Council’s Initiative to Increase Solar Capacity by 2034
Experts are warning that the amount of solar panel waste could reach critical levels within 2-3 years, much earlier than the previously predicted crisis point of 2030.
Australia has the potential to double its solar power capacity and install two million household batteries by the end of the decade with the right policies in place, according to a new report by the Climate Council.
The Council argues that rooftop solar can greatly reduce energy costs for households and businesses while also helping to decrease climate pollution.
The report, titled ‘Seize the Sun,’ highlights that over half of owner-occupied homes already have solar panels, but there are still 2.8 million households that have not adopted solar power yet. Additionally, two-thirds of new homes are being built without solar installations.
A survey conducted by YouGov revealed that over 80% of current solar panel owners would recommend them to others, and 73% of Australians without solar panels express interest in installing them in the future.
The survey data also breaks down support for solar panels based on political affiliation.
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Of those who currently have solar panels, 79% of Coalition voters, 84% of Labor voters, and 87% of Greens voters would recommend them to others, according to the Climate Council.
Amanda McKenzie, CEO of the Climate Council, emphasized the importance of bipartisan support for rooftop solar leading up to the next federal election.
She stated, “Boosting rooftop solar provides numerous benefits for Australian businesses and households. It reduces energy costs, lowers climate pollution, and supports our clean energy workforce.”
Approximately 3.6 million Australians are benefiting from solar panels, saving a total of $3 billion in power bills annually.
Tim Nelson, Climate Councillor and Associate Professor, highlighted the significance of expanding rooftop solar to further promote clean energy in Australia and urged all political parties to prioritize this initiative.
Waste Disposal Challenges
Meanwhile, experts are raising concerns about the escalating solar waste crisis in Australia, a pressing issue highlighted by the International Renewable Energy Agency, the International Energy Agency, and the Australian government.
Due to insufficient regulations and limited recycling facilities, decommissioned solar panels often end up in landfills.
Victoria is currently the only state in Australia that bans the disposal of solar panels in landfills.
A recent white paper warned that solar panel waste could reach critical levels within the next 2-3 years, much sooner than the projected 2030 timeframe.
Rong Deng, a researcher in renewable energy engineering at the University of New South Wales, led a study on this issue.
Deng’s research indicates that with the expected five to tenfold increase in solar panel production, the global supply of silver could be depleted within two decades.
“Immediate action is necessary if we are already facing this problem,” Deng emphasized.
He also highlighted the discouragement of recycling due to high costs, which range from $10 to $20 per panel. Furthermore, the technology required to recover valuable materials from recycled panels is not yet available.
