Date: 21 April 2026 As more solar panels are installed across Australia each year, managing what happens to them at the end of their working life is becoming increasingly important. The Hon Matt Thistlethwaite MP speaking at the official launch of the ARC Research Hub for Photovoltaic Solar Panel Recycling and Sustainability at UNSW Sydney. Photo: Supplied/UNSW Solar panels are now a familiar part of Australia’s energy system. Increasingly, attention is increasingly turning to the full life cycle of solar technology, from design and manufacturing through to use, reuse and end‑of‑life management. The Australian Research Council (ARC) Research Hub for Photovoltaic Solar Panel Recycling and Sustainability (PVRS) is addressing these challenges through collaborative research that brings together universities, industry and policymakers. The Hub is developing practical approaches to improve how solar panels are designed, used and managed, supporting Australia’s transition to a clean and sustainable energy system. Turning solar waste into a clean energy opportunity As more panels are installed across Australia, a practical question follows: what happens when they reach the end of their working life? The Hon Minister Matt Thistlethwaite MP attended the official launch of the Hub at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) this week, alongside ARC Chief Executive Officer Professor Ute Roessner, researchers and industry partners. The Hon Matt Thistlethwaite MP with ARC CEO Professor Ute Roessner and Australian Academy of Science President Professor Chennupati Jagadish AC during a laboratory tour at UNSW during the launch of the ARC Research Hub for Photovoltaic Solar Panel Recycling and Sustainability. Photo: Supplied/UNSW The Hub is focused on developing industry‑ready solutions that enable solar panels and their materials to be reused, recovered or responsibly managed. This includes advancing technologies that support recycling at scale while improving how panels are designed for durability and future recovery. A national research effort with industry at its core Funded by the ARC, the Hub is receiving $5 million over 5 years, with additional co-investment from industry and partner organisations. Led by Professor Yansong Shen at UNSW, the Hub is focused on: developing advanced, environmentally responsible recycling technologies redesigning solar panels to improve recyclability and reliability supporting policy development through interdisciplinary research and evidence. This work connects technical research with practical applications across the solar panel life cycle. By designing research with translation in mind, the Hub aims to deliver solutions that can be taken up at scale by industry. ARC CEO Professor Ute Roessner and Hub Director Professor Yansong Shen shake hands following the formal proceedings of the launch of the ARC Research Hub for Photovoltaic Solar Panel Recycling and Sustainability. Photo: Supplied/UNSW Supporting Australia’s net zero and waste reduction goals As Australia transitions to cleaner energy sources, ARC CEO Professor Ute Roessner emphasised the importance of managing renewable infrastructure responsibly. ‘Solar panels are now part of everyday life in Australia, and they are a visible symbol of our transition to cleaner energy,’ Professor Roessner said. ‘Through the PVRS Hub, researchers and industry are working together on practical solutions that strengthen Australia’s research capability and support a sustainable clean energy future.’ The Hub directly supports national priorities under Australia’s Net Zero Plan and National Waste Action Plan by reducing waste, recovering valuable materials and strengthening onshore recycling capability. Expected outcomes include: scalable recycling solutions suitable for Australian conditions new solar panel designs that support circular economy principles stronger domestic supply chains and advanced manufacturing capability workforce training and skills development in clean energy technologies. ARC CEO Professor Ute Roessner speaking at the launch of the ARC Research Hub for Photovoltaic Solar Panel Recycling and Sustainability. Photo: Supplied/UNSW Together, these outcomes will help reduce environmental impacts while creating new economic opportunities. Collaboration that builds capability A defining feature of the PVRS Hub is its partnership driven model. Universities are working alongside industry partners from Australia and overseas to ensure research responds to industry and policy needs. This collaborative approach strengthens Australia’s research and development capability in areas critical to our nation’s future, including renewable energy, advanced materials and sustainable manufacturing. It also supports the next generation of researchers by creating pathways between universities and industry. Investing in research with national impact The ARC supports research that builds national capability, addresses significant challenges and delivers benefits for the community and economy. Research Hubs such as PVRS play an important role in connecting excellent research with industry needs and national priorities. Through partnership and a practical focus, this Hub is helping ensure Australia’s clean energy transition is not only rapid, but sustainable. A commemorative plaque marking the official launch of the ARC Research Hub for Photovoltaic Solar Panel Recycling and Sustainability on 21 April 2026. Photo: Supplied/UNSW About the ARC Research Hub for Photovoltaic Solar Panel Recycling and Sustainability (PVRS) Administering organisation: University of New South Wales Hub Director: Professor Yansong Shen ARC funding: $5 million over five years Learn more, visit the PVRS website.