Lack of Solar Waste Management Policy in India
Recently the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has highlighted that there is a lack of solar waste management policy in India.
- India currently considers solar waste as a part of electronic waste (E-Waste). It does not make any separate provision for the same.
- Solar waste is electronic waste generated by unused solar panels.
- According to a report by the International Renewable Energy Agency, the amount of global photovoltaic waste will reach 78 million ton by the year 2050. India could be among the top five photovoltaic waste generating countries in the near future.
- If this waste is fully used back into the economy, the value of the recycled material could exceed US$15 billion by the year 2050.
Facts about Solar Waste in India
- The estimated usable life of solar panels is 25 years. It is known that India’s solar manufacturing industry started in the year 2010. Therefore, most of the installed solar systems are still in their working life.
- Therefore, there is no possibility of generating large amount of solar waste at present.
- However, solar panel modules also get damaged during transportation, installation and plant operation.
Suggestions for “Solid Waste Management”
- Management policies should be developed for photovoltaic (PV) panels to have a sustainable entire usage life.
- Waste management infrastructure should be expanded. Environment-friendly disposal and solar waste recycling should also be covered under the power purchase agreement.
- The landfill of solar waste should be banned, as this waste is harmful to the environment.
Solar Waste Management Methods in Other Countries
- The European Union (EU) has adopted regulations specifically for photovoltaic waste 8.
- The Extended Producer’s Responsibility Rule has been adopted in Washington and California.
- Japan and South Korea have hinted at legislation specifically dedicated to addressing the problem of photovoltaic waste.
Source – The Hindu
