Removal and collection are two jobs
Taking panels off a roof is electrical and height work. That belongs with your electrician or installer. Collection starts once the panels are safely down.
Do not disconnect panels, cut cables or climb on the roof yourself. Ask your installer when the panels will be ready, which may be later than the day roof work starts.
Solar Victoria's end-of-life guidance is a good starting point for planning.
PV panel disposal options in Victoria
Old solar panels are e-waste. EPA Victoria's e-waste guidance includes solar panels and confirms they cannot go to landfill.
Ask your installer whether removal includes taking the panels away. Some councils and transfer stations take panels, but many do not, especially in business amounts. A place that takes computers does not always take panels. Free TV and computer schemes do not cover them.
If panels are coming off under a warranty claim, check the supplier's return terms before adding them to another load.
Count and sort the panels
Count the panels and note their rough size. Keep whole panels apart from cracked or broken ones. If there are several models, list each one.
Photograph labels where it is safe. Mention any fire, impact or water damage. Do not move a damaged panel just to read the label.
List inverters, cables, mounting rails and batteries separately. They are handled differently.
How to stack them
Agree how the panels will be stacked and strapped before collection day. Do not put heavy items on top, and do not break panels to save space.
Send the pallet size, stack height and what lifting equipment is on site. Show the loading area and the route from the roof to the truck.
Broken glass needs its own plan. Tell us about it before the panels are moved.
Timing the collection
Name one person who confirms the panels are ready. If roof work runs late, tell us before the truck is sent. Keep panels that are staying separate from those that are going.
For staged jobs, give the number ready at each visit rather than the total for the whole roof. If you are bringing panels to Braeside, wait for the booking and unloading instructions first.
For associated items, see cables and power supplies and the full material list.
What Crex does
The solar panel programme collects panels from Melbourne sites, or you can bring them to our Braeside yard by arrangement. They are recycled.
Tell us what you've got with your suburb, access and when the panels will be down. Prices come back by email once the load is assessed.