The Victorian Government will award $10 million in funding for new solutions to reducing solar panel waste, driven by record-adoption of residential solar systems.
Victoria is expected to generate more than 187,000 tonnes of solar panel waste by 2035, though there are currently few commercially-viable solar recycling services available.
In response, the Victorian Government has announced the $10 million Solar Waste Challenge, inviting innovators to apply for investment funding to support the development of a dedicated solar-recycling facility, to be built in Victoria.
The Challenge is funded by the State Government’s $2 billion Breakthrough Victoria Fund, which invests in innovative companies and founders looking to solve complex problems.
Victoria’s Minister for Solar Homes, Lily D’Ambrosio, said the challenge evidenced the Government’s commitment to collaborating with industry in developing renewable technologies.
“Our Solar Waste Challenge is an example of how we are working with industry and innovators in our nation-leading clean energy transition, while proactively addressing potential environmental impacts,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.
“We’ve helped 200,000 households and businesses to install solar – driving down power bills and emissions – and now we’re creating more jobs and new industries as we boost Victoria’s recycling to meet our clean energy transition.”
For more details and to register your interest visit the Solar Waste Challenge website, here.
