Abstract
Throughout Australia Photovoltaic (PV) systems which include solar panels, inverters and batteries are increasingly being installed in homes and business premises in astonishing numbers. According to Sustainability Victoria, more than 100,000 tons of discarded solar panels, inverters and batteries is anticipated to enter Australia’s waste stream by 2035 creating enormous social, environmental and health risks as a result of inappropriate recycling and disposal practices in the communities. Although Australian states and territories have recognized the ongoing issues of solar panel (PV) systems waste and introducing policies and regulations that can help manage this waste stream, large quantities of discarded solar panels still go unaccounted for and are mounting up in landfills mostly in regional areas. Currently, local governments are concerned about discarded solar panel disposal to landfills and are struggling to come up with appropriate disposal strategies and approaches. Adding to the growing issue of waste generated from PV systems is the absence of committed processing facilities in Australia with capability and technological innovation to recover valuable materials contained in PV products. The purpose of this research is to critically examine environmental and health risks associated with solar panel (PV) systems waste disposal to landfills, create awareness and develop innovative approaches to address the ongoing issues on solar panels collection and recycling in Australia. This study is conducted in collaboration with Australian regional councils and an online survey questionnaire is used for collecting the required data. The findings of this study contributes to an emergent body of research on the environmental and health risks associated with inappropriate disposal of solar (PV) panels in landfills to documents that residents in the communities are exposed to a number of toxic/hazardous substance emanating from inappropriate disposal of solar (PV) panels some at potentially concerning levels.