SYDNEY, NSW — Around 150 solar panels removed during the upgrade of the
International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) solar system will soon begin a
remarkable second life helping power the Kindly Animal Sanctuary near Armidale,
where they will provide renewable electricity to help keep more than rescued animals
warm during winter.
The donation is one of the first outcomes from a major solar decommissioning project
being managed by Second Life Solar, demonstrating how Australia’s growing number of
ageing solar systems can be responsibly managed through circular economy
principles.
Kindly Animal Sanctuary provides lifetime care for 250 animals rescued from abuse and
neglect, natural disasters, deceased estates, domestic violence situations, people
entering aged care, incarceration and many other difficult circumstances. The
sanctuary currently relies on an expensive diesel generator to provide electricity,
making the donated solar panels a significant environmental and financial benefit.
While the sanctuary represents one inspiring reuse opportunity, it is only one part of a much larger story.
Second Life Solar has been engaged to manage the decommissioning of International
Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) existing solar system as part of the venue’s
investment in a new, larger solar installation. Every panel and major component
removed from the site will be individually assessed to determine its highest-value next
use. Panels suitable for continued service will be professionally tested and electrically
certified for reuse, while panels and materials that have reached the end of their useful
life will be directed through accredited recycling partners to recover valuable resources
including aluminium, glass and copper.
Throughout the project, Second Life Solar will provide complete chain-of-custody
tracking and reporting, giving International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) full
transparency over the destination and outcome of every major component removed
from the site.
The project demonstrates what responsible solar decommissioning should look like at
a time when governments and industry are actively exploring product stewardship
schemes for solar panels. As Australia’s first generation of commercial solar systems
begins reaching the end of its first life, projects like this are helping establish best
practice for managing solar assets through reuse and recycling rather than landfill.
James McGregor, Founder of Second Life Solar, said Australia was entering a new phase of the renewable energy transition.
“Australia has done an incredible job deploying solar over the past two decades. The
next challenge is making sure we manage these valuable assets responsibly when
they’re upgraded.Historically, many panels have ended up in landfill because there hasn’t been a clear
process for managing what happens to them when they are removed. Projects like this
show there’s a better way.If a panel is suitable for reuse, let’s find it a second life. If it has reached the end of its
useful life, let’s recover the valuable materials through responsible recycling. That’s
what a circular economy looks like.What’s particularly encouraging is the leadership shown by International Convention
Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) They didn’t just plan for a new solar system—they planned
for the responsible management of the existing one. As more commercial solar
systems are upgraded across Australia, this kind of forward planning will become an
essential part of delivering truly sustainable renewable energy.”
Naomi Hooper – Kindly Animal Sanctuary
“For a charity like ours, energy is one of our biggest operating costs, particularly during
winter when we need to keep vulnerable animals warm. These donated solar panels will
help reduce our reliance on gas, diesel generation and wood, lower our running costs
and allow us to direct more of our resources towards caring for rescued animals. It’s
wonderful to know these panels will continue making a difference long after leaving
their original home.”
About Second Life Solar
Second Life Solar helps governments, businesses and infrastructure owners
responsibly manage end-of-life solar assets through circular economy principles. The
company manages solar decommissioning projects by identifying opportunities for
panel reuse, coordinating responsible recycling through accredited partners, and
providing transparent chain-of-custody reporting that gives clients confidence every
asset has been managed responsibly.