Product Overview

Summary: This Solar Panel Recycling and Disposal Safe Operating Procedure sets out a clear, compliant process for removing, handling, transporting and disposing of end‑of‑life photovoltaic (PV) panels and associated components. It helps Australian businesses manage WHS risks, environmental obligations and product stewardship requirements while maximising material recovery and minimising landfill.

As Australia’s solar fleet ages, organisations are increasingly responsible for the safe removal, recycling and disposal of large volumes of photovoltaic (PV) panels, inverters, mounting hardware and cabling. Poorly managed decommissioning can create significant WHS risks, expose workers to hazardous materials, and lead to non‑compliance with environmental and waste legislation. This Solar Panel Recycling and Disposal Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, end‑to‑end method for planning and carrying out PV system decommissioning, from pre‑job assessment and isolation through to transport, recycling, documentation and record‑keeping.

The procedure is designed specifically for the Australian regulatory context, aligning WHS duties with emerging e‑waste and product stewardship expectations across states and territories. It addresses practical on‑site issues such as working at heights during panel removal, managing sharp and broken glass, handling potentially hazardous components, and segregating waste streams for approved recyclers. By adopting this SOP, businesses can demonstrate due diligence, protect workers and subcontractors, reduce environmental liability, and provide clients with clear evidence that end‑of‑life solar assets are being managed responsibly and sustainably.

Key Benefits

• Ensure safe decommissioning of solar installations by controlling electrical, manual handling, and working at heights risks.
• Reduce environmental liability by directing panels and components to approved recycling streams rather than landfill.
• Demonstrate compliance with WHS duties and state/territory waste and e‑waste regulations through clear, documented procedures.
• Standardise how technicians assess, remove, package, transport and track end‑of‑life solar equipment across all sites.
• Support sustainability and ESG reporting by providing auditable records of recycled materials and responsible disposal.

Who is this for?

• Solar Installation Contractors
• Solar Maintenance Technicians
• Electrical Contractors
• WHS Managers
• Environmental and Sustainability Managers
• Operations Managers
• Facilities Managers
• Recycling Facility Supervisors
• Construction and Demolition Project Managers
• Asset and Portfolio Managers for Commercial Properties

Hazards Addressed

• Electrical shock or arc flash from live or incorrectly isolated PV circuits
• Falls from height during removal of rooftop solar panels and mounting systems
• Cuts and lacerations from broken glass, sharp panel edges and mounting hardware
• Musculoskeletal injuries from manual handling of panels, inverters and racking components
• Exposure to hazardous substances in damaged panels, inverters and associated e‑waste
• Trips, slips and falls due to poor housekeeping and panel stacking on roofs or work areas
• Vehicle and load‑restraint risks during transport of panels and associated waste
• Fire risk from damaged lithium‑based batteries or stored electrical components where applicable

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Abbreviations
• 3.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 4.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 5.0 Competency, Training and Licensing Requirements
• 6.0 Pre‑Removal Planning and Site Assessment
• 7.0 Risk Assessment and Safe Work Method Integration
• 8.0 Isolation, Lockout and Verification of PV Systems
• 9.0 Required Tools, Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• 10.0 Working at Heights Controls for Rooftop Solar Removal
• 11.0 Panel and Component Removal Procedure
• 12.0 Handling, Stacking and Temporary Storage of Panels On‑Site
• 13.0 Segregation of Reusable, Recyclable and Non‑Recyclable Materials
• 14.0 Packaging, Labelling and Load Restraint for Transport
• 15.0 Selection and Use of Approved Recyclers and Waste Contractors
• 16.0 Environmental Protection Measures and Spill Management
• 17.0 Housekeeping and Site Clean‑up Requirements
• 18.0 Emergency Procedures (Electrical Incidents, Falls, Breakages, Fire)
• 19.0 Inspection, Monitoring and Continuous Improvement
• 20.0 Record‑Keeping, Chain of Custody and Reporting
• 21.0 Review, Audit and Document Control

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and harmonised state/territory legislation)
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011
• Safe Work Australia – How to Safely Remove Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems (guidance material where applicable)
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace
• AS/NZS 5033: Installation and safety requirements for photovoltaic (PV) arrays
• AS/NZS 3000: Electrical installations (Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules)
• AS/NZS 5377: Management of electrical and electronic equipment for re‑use or recycling
• AS 4343: Pressure equipment – Hazard levels (where relevant to associated plant)
• Applicable state and territory waste and e‑waste regulations and landfill bans (e.g. Victorian e‑waste to landfill ban)