As India transitions towards a more circular economy, an increasingly important and often overlooked aspect is the waste management of the solar photovoltaic (PV) industry. The solar PV waste, frequently referred to as electronic waste from discarded solar panels, poses a concern due to its potential environmental implications and the absence of clear regulations for its proper management.
Understanding PV Waste
PV waste often contains hazardous materials like heavy metals – cadmium, copper, lead, antimony, and selenium. In India, this waste, currently treated as scrap, is projected to increase drastically—by at least four-five-fold in the next decade. Consequently, it is imperative for India to develop comprehensive rules addressing the growing issue of solar waste.
Composition of Solar PV
Indian solar PV installations predominantly use crystalline silicon (c-Si) technology. It’s estimated that a typical PV panel involves c-Si modules (93%) and cadmium telluride thin-film modules (7%). These modules consist of various components, including glass sheets, aluminum frames, encapsulants, back sheets, copper wires, and silicon wafers. Traces of silver, tin, and lead are also found in the c-Si modules.
India’s Position in Global PV Waste Generation
With the fourth-highest solar PV deployment worldwide, India generates a considerable amount of solar PV waste. As per a 2016 report by the International Renewable Energy Agency, India could produce 50,000-3,25,000 tonnes of PV waste by 2030 and over four million tonnes by 2050.
Potential for Waste Recovery and Recycling
While some parts of the solar panels, like frames, junctions, and cables can be sold as scrap or recycled, almost half of the total materials can be recovered. However, only about 20% of the waste is generally collected, with the remaining being treated informally—leading to waste accumulation in landfills and environmental pollution.
Challenges in Managing PV Waste in India
Several hurdles hinder effective PV waste management in India. Informal waste treatment leads to pollution, and a limited market exists for reusing recycled PV waste due to lack of incentives. Additionally, there’s a need for specific PV waste treatment provisions within e-waste guidelines, considering the hazardous nature of this waste. India’s limited local solar PV-panel manufacturing capabilities also pose a threat to resource conservation and recycling potential.
Initiatives in India
Despite the challenges, India has taken steps towards managing plastic and electronic waste, evident from various rules and notifications, such as the Draft EPR Notification for Plastic Packaging Waste, Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules (2021), and E-Waste (Management) Rules (2016, 2018).
Global Initiatives for PV Waste Management
Countries around the world are implementing strategies for PV waste management. The European Union’s WEEE Directive requires manufacturers to responsibility dispose of waste. In the UK, a take-back and recycling scheme mandates PV producers maintain records of used products. Certain US states have defined policies addressing end-of-life PV module management, whereas Australia has announced a grant to develop an industry-led stewardship scheme for PV systems. Countries like Japan and South Korea are also developing legislations to manage PV waste.
The Urgent Need for Action
Projected to be among the top five global photovoltaic waste producers by 2050, it is crucial for India to implement clear policy directives and recycling strategies urgently. Adopting effective waste management protocols holds the potential to stimulate sustainable development and help India progress towards a circular economy.
Implications on UPSC Civil Services Examination
Understanding the potential environmental implications of PV waste is vital to India’s circular economy transition. In the past, questions related to solar power production and waste management have appeared in the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Clearly grasping these concepts may boost aspirants’ performance in future examinations.
