TRANSITIONING SOLAR ENERGY TO A CIRCULAR ECONOMY

Circular PV Alliance’s mission is to realise the full environmental, economic and social benefits of solar energy by supporting the Australian solar energy sector transition into a circular economy.

CPVA is a grassroots not-for-profit organisation, founded by the solar energy industry, for the solar energy industry. CPVA provides a support network and central point of engagement with industry stakeholders, policy-makers, other industries and government for matters relating to the solar energy circular economy.

CPVA IS INDUSTRY LED

CPVA is apolitical, is led by an independent Board of Directors and supported by a diverse Technical and Strategic Advisory Board. We ask critical questions, look for and develop solutions, engage with our members and industry stakeholders, and build the evidence-base to drive a thriving, sustainable solar energy sector.

We understand that the commercial environment is shifting - now more than ever there is a focus on social responsibility and a spotlight on the indirect environmental impacts of business activities (think Modern Slavery and ESG reporting). CPVA is the voice and name advocating for the best possible outcomes for the solar energy sector.

CPVA supports a united industry-led approach to enable the self-determination of various stakeholders in this new market paradigm. Collaboration is necessary to develop the tools and strategies required to drive a solar energy circular economy.

THE ONLY PEAK BODY
ADVOCATING A SUSTAINABLE RENEWABLE ENERGY TRANSITION

CPVA is the peak body for businesses, stakeholders, consumers, research institutions and individuals alike that promote innovation, high standards and a responsible approach to the renewable energy transition.

We empower, resource and advocate on behalf of our members to realise the immense potential a circular economy for solar energy presents to the Australian community and commercial markets.

This is what industry and consumers have said they need.

This is what CPVA is here to deliver.

WHAT IS CPVA DOING?

CPVA is taking real action to deliver tangible results.

BUILDING THE EVIDENCE BASE FOR A CIRCULAR ECONOMY

CPVA has a number of research projects underway to help develop solutions for the solar energy circular economy. This includes the used panel testing micro-pilot project and various other research projects.

DEVELOPING INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS

CPVA has developed important and milestone partnerships to raise the profile of the solar energy circular economy. This includes industry-based and research collaborations.

CREATING INDUSTRY TOOLS

A key focus area is a testing standard and database for used solar panels. This will assure consumers of the safety and performance of the panels. This is critical to drive a strong consumer market for used panels.

A NEW INDUSTRY NETWORK FOR THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY

CPVA is emerging as a leading voice for the circular economy. Membership will soon be available for stakeholders seeking to align with CPVA's recognised, credible brand.

WHY CPVA? WHY NOW?

If not us, then who? If not now, then when?

CPVA formed to provide a coordinated and focused effort to prevent the needless disposal of used solar panels into landfill. Disposing solar panels into landfill can lead to unnecessary pollution, particularly in areas with limited waste management infrastructure.

Solar panels also contain a variety of valuable resources including silver, silicon and aluminium. Recovering these resources rather than losing them to landfill provides a range of commercial opportunities for the energy, manufacturing and waste management sectors.

A more responsible approach to the management of used solar panels through a circular economy is important. In addition to the already 100 million solar panels installed in Australia, approximately 4 billion new solar panels are needed to achieve Australia's Net Zero targets.

CPVA is here to establish a thriving solar energy circular economy by developing commercial solutions and advocating effective policy mechanisms to address the imminent and future volume of solar panels requiring end-of-life management.

NET ZERO TARGETS WILL REQUIRE BILLIONS OF NEW PANELS TO BE INSTALLED

CPVA supports Australia's energy, waste management and manufacturing sectors to work collaboratively to realise commercial opportunities in response to this trajectory to ensure our renewable energy transition is sustainable.

WE CAN MAKE CLEAN ENERGY AFFORDABLE FOR EVERYONE

There are people living in Australia without access to reliable energy or those that cannot afford to put solar panels on their roof. Quality reused solar panels can provide solutions to both these situations - with the bonus of maximising the functional lifespan of a solar panel.

A SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FUTURE NEEDS A RESPONSIBLE SOLAR ENERGY INDUSTRY

Solar panels are being replaced and discarded very early into their lifespan, often within a few years of operation. This means that the full environmental benefit of these panels is not being realised. Is the impact of manufacturing solar panels offset by the clean energy they generate when they are only installed for half of their intended lifespan?

WE HAVE A DUTY TO FUTURE GENERATIONS TO ACT SUSTAINABLY AND ETHICALLY

Mass legacy waste issues and depleted natural resources is not what we aspire to leave our descendants. We are obligated and motivated to create better ways of managing the by-products of our human endeavours.

OUR PRECIOUS NATURAL

RESOURCES & MATERIALS ARE GOING TO WASTE

Solar panels contain many valuable materials such as silver, silicon, aluminium, copper and glass. These materials are derived from natural resources and are being thrown into landfill. We believe this is simply not good enough and want to do better.

THERE IS A NEED FOR INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP TO ENABLE A CIRCULAR ECONOMY

There is AMAZING work being done largely in isolation to drive more sustainable outcomes for solar energy. CPVA provides a central, coordinated platform to bring together all the pieces of the puzzle required to establish a thriving solar energy circular economy.

GET INVOLVED

Real action, meaningful insights, tangible results.

CPVA is building a national and international network of leaders, service providers, 'thinkers & do-ers' and movers & shakers in the solar energy circular economy.

You can become a CPVA Member or reach out to collaborate with CPVA on a project.

If you would like to have an immediate impact, consider supporting CPVA's research or partnering with us. Learn more on our Get Involved page.