The inquiry was referred on 19 January 2026 by the Minister for the Environment and Water, Senator the Hon Murray Watt.
The public hearing will provide an opportunity for the Committee to question officials from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water about current policy settings, regulatory arrangements and future options to improve the sustainability and circularity of Australia’s solar energy system.
The Committee has received submissions from all levels of government, various businesses, peak associations and individuals in the sector. Committee Chair, Anne Urquhart MP, said that “the public hearing provides an important opportunity to examine the Department’s views on Australia’s preparedness for managing end‑of‑life solar panels as installations continue to grow nationwide, and the opportunities and challenges associated with expanding domestic reuse and recycling capabilities.”
“Australia has one of the highest rates per capita of rooftop solar panel installation in the world.” Urquhart stated. “As we continue to transition to renewable energy, we must ensure that the components of the system we build—in this case the solar panels—do not become a long-term environmental and economic burden,” she said.
Australia’s circular economy framework will be discussed, and how it aligns with the views expressed by industry stakeholders and environmental groups in submissions to the inquiry. The Committee will also discuss the current and potential viable panel reuse streams in the local economy, and how this could be fostered.
The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.
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