The solar photovoltaic (PV) sector in India has grown significantly, making it the fourth largest country in terms of installed solar capacity, with nearly 62 GW in 2022. However, waste management in this sector still lacks clear directives. This essay aims to shed light on the nature of PV waste, the challenges faced by India in managing it, and the possible way forward.
What is PV Waste?
PV waste is generated when PV panels reach their end-of-life. According to a 2016 report by the International Renewable Energy Agency, India could generate between 50,000 to 325,000 tonnes of PV waste by 2030 and over four million tonnes by 2050. The waste mainly consists of crystalline silicon (c-Si) technology, which is made up of a glass sheet, an aluminium frame, an encapsulant, a backsheet, copper wires, and silicon wafers. Additionally, a small portion (7%) is made up of cadmium telluride thin-film modules.
Is This Waste Recovered or Recycled?
When PV panels reach their end-of-life, the frame is extracted and sold as scrap, junctions and cables are recycled according to e-waste guidelines, and the glass laminate is partly recycled. However, the rest is disposed of as general waste. Silicon and silver can be extracted by burning the module in cement furnaces, and around 50% of the total materials can be recovered.
Challenges for India
India’s challenge is the growing informal handling of PV waste. Only about 20% of the waste is recovered, with the rest treated informally, leading to waste accumulation at landfills, which pollutes the environment. Incinerating the encapsulant releases sulphur dioxide, hydrogen fluoride, and hydrogen cyanide into the atmosphere. India needs to overcome significant challenges in collection, storage, recycling, and repurposing of PV waste. Additionally, there is a lack of suitable incentives and schemes for businesses to invest in the market to repurpose or reuse recycled PV waste.
Way Forward
To address the challenges in managing PV waste, India needs to take specific measures:
- Specific Guidelines Under E-Waste Guidelines: India should formulate and implement provisions specific to PV waste treatment within the ambit of e-waste guidelines. This will help prevent confusion and provide clear guidelines for PV waste management.
- A Regulatory Body: A central insurance or regulatory body should be set up to protect against financial losses incurred in waste collection and treatment.
- Awareness Drives: There is a need for pan-India sensitisation drives and awareness programmes on PV waste management. The waste generated from PV modules and their components is classified as hazardous waste in India, which needs to be communicated to stakeholders.
- Focus on Research and Development: To address the issue of limited local solar PV-panel manufacturing in India, the country needs to focus on domestic R&D efforts. This will promote the domestic development of PV waste recycling technologies through appropriate infrastructure facilities and adequate funding.
Why In News
The absence of clear directives for waste management in the solar photovoltaic (PV) sector has become a growing concern. As the use of solar panels continues to expand globally, it is crucial to establish standardized guidelines that ensure responsible and sustainable disposal of end-of-life PV modules. Without proper waste management practices, the growth of the solar PV sector could potentially exacerbate environmental problems rather than alleviate them.
MCQs on Waste Management in the Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Sector in India
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What is PV waste?
A. Waste generated from photovoltaic cells
B. Waste generated from wind turbines
C. Waste generated from nuclear power plants
D. Waste generated from coal-fired power plants
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How much PV waste is expected to be generated by India by 2030?
A. 50,000 to 325,000 tonnes
B. 4 million tonnes
C. 62 GW
D. None of the above
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What is the main challenge faced by India in managing PV waste?
A. Lack of storage facilities
B. Lack of recycling facilities
C. Growing informal handling of PV waste
D. Lack of awareness
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What is the way forward to address the challenges in managing PV waste in India?
A. Formulating and implementing provisions specific to PV waste treatment within the ambit of e-waste guidelines.
B. Setting up a central insurance or regulatory body to protect against financial losses incurred in waste collection and treatment.
C. Conducting awareness drives to communicate that PV waste is hazardous waste.
D. All of the above.
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