Product Overview

Summary: This Solar System Decommissioning and Disposal SOP sets out a clear, step‑by‑step method for safely isolating, dismantling and disposing of rooftop and ground‑mounted solar PV systems in Australia. It helps businesses manage electrical, working‑at‑heights and hazardous waste risks while ensuring compliance with WHS laws, environmental obligations and product stewardship expectations.

As Australia’s solar PV fleet ages, more systems are reaching end of life, becoming damaged, or needing removal during refurbishments, upgrades or demolitions. Poorly planned decommissioning can expose workers to live electrical parts, falls from height, panel breakage, fire risks and uncontrolled waste streams. This Solar System Decommissioning and Disposal Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, WHS‑aligned approach to shutting down, dismantling and removing solar PV systems safely and efficiently, from initial site assessment through to final sign‑off.

The SOP translates complex regulatory duties into practical, on‑the‑tools instructions for electricians, solar technicians and site supervisors. It covers safe isolation and verification of de‑energised systems, working‑at‑heights controls, manual handling of panels and batteries, and environmentally responsible disposal and recycling pathways for PV modules, inverters, cabling and associated components. By implementing this procedure, businesses can demonstrate due diligence under Australian WHS legislation, reduce the likelihood of incidents during decommissioning works, and support emerging circular‑economy requirements for solar waste and e‑waste management.

Whether you are removing a small residential rooftop system or a large commercial or industrial installation, this SOP gives your team a consistent, defendable process. It supports safer tendering and project planning, clearer communication with clients and building owners, and robust documentation for audits, insurance and regulator enquiries.

Key Benefits

• Ensure safe isolation, dismantling and removal of solar PV systems in line with Australian WHS requirements.
• Reduce the risk of electric shock, arc flash, falls from height and manual handling injuries during decommissioning activities.
• Standardise decommissioning methods across crews and sites, improving efficiency and reducing rework and project delays.
• Demonstrate due diligence to regulators, clients and insurers through clear, documented procedures and records.
• Support environmentally responsible disposal and recycling of solar modules, inverters, cabling and associated components.

Who is this for?

• Electrical Contractors
• Solar PV Installers and Technicians
• Project Managers (Solar and Renewables)
• Facilities and Asset Managers
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Construction Site Supervisors
• Operations Managers
• Property Managers and Strata Managers
• Demolition and Decommissioning Contractors
• Environmental and Sustainability Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Electric shock from live DC and AC conductors, string cables and inverters
• Arc flash and short‑circuit events during disconnection or cable handling
• Falls from roofs, ladders and elevated work platforms during panel removal
• Slips, trips and falls due to loose materials, tools and weather‑affected surfaces
• Manual handling injuries from lifting, carrying and stacking panels and inverters
• Crush and impact injuries from dropped or sliding panels and mounting hardware
• Cuts and puncture wounds from broken glass, sharp metal racking and cable ends
• Fire risk from damaged DC wiring, batteries or inverters
• Exposure to hazardous substances from damaged panels and associated components
• Vehicle and mobile plant interactions during loading, transport and waste handling

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Abbreviations
• 3.0 References, Legislation and Applicable Standards
• 4.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 5.0 Pre‑Decommissioning Planning and Client Consultation
• 6.0 Site Assessment, Risk Assessment and SWMS Requirements
• 7.0 Isolation, Lock‑Out/Tag‑Out and Verification of De‑Energised State
• 8.0 Required Tools, Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• 9.0 Working at Heights Controls and Access Arrangements
• 10.0 Step‑by‑Step Decommissioning Procedure for PV Arrays
• 11.0 Inverter, Switchboard and Cabling Decommissioning
• 12.0 Handling, Packaging and Storage of PV Modules and Components
• 13.0 Battery Systems (If Present) – Additional Safety Requirements
• 14.0 Waste Segregation, Recycling and Environmentally Responsible Disposal
• 15.0 Transport and Chain‑of‑Responsibility Considerations
• 16.0 Emergency Procedures and Incident Response
• 17.0 Housekeeping, Site Restoration and Handover to Client
• 18.0 Training, Induction and Competency Verification
• 19.0 Documentation, Records and Decommissioning Certificates
• 20.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and relevant state/territory equivalents)
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (and state/territory equivalents)
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace: Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces: Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Hazardous Manual Tasks: Code of Practice
• AS/NZS 5033: Installation and safety requirements for photovoltaic (PV) arrays
• AS/NZS 4777.1: Grid connection of energy systems via inverters – Installation requirements
• AS/NZS 3000: Electrical installations (Wiring Rules)
• AS/NZS 4501: Occupational protective clothing (for guidance on protective workwear)
• AS/NZS 4801 / ISO 45001: Occupational health and safety management systems
• Relevant state/territory environmental protection and waste management legislation for e‑waste and solar panel disposal