1: Current State of Solar Waste Management in India

- India's current solar waste crisis has been highlighted in a study conducted by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and the Council on Energy, Environment and Water.

- The report titled 'Enabling a Circular Economy in India’s Solar Industry – Assessing the Solar Waste Quantum' reveals startling figures about India’s growing solar waste.

- The existing solar capacity has generated about 100 kilotonnes (kt) of cumulative waste, likely to surge to 340 kt by 2030.

- By 2050, the cumulative waste is projected to increase 32 times, with approximately 77% of it being due to new capacities.

2: The Top Contributors

- Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh are expected to produce around 67% of the projected waste by 2030.

- While Rajasthan will account for 24% of the waste generated by 2030, Gujarat and Karnataka are projected to contribute 16% and 12% respectively.

3: Discarded Solar Modules and Essential Minerals

- The report indicates that discarded solar modules contain significant quantities of critical minerals like silicon, copper, tellurium, and cadmium, which are indispensable for India's economic growth and national security.

- The estimated 340 kt of waste by 2030 will include 10 kt of silicon, 12-18 tonnes of silver, and 16 tonnes of cadmium and tellurium.

4: Recommendations for Sustainable Solar Waste Management

- Implementing a database for accurate mapping of possible waste generation centres, periodic updates, and monitoring by MNRE.

- Development of guidelines for collecting and storing solar waste by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.

- Promotion of safe and efficient processing of the waste stored.

- Setting up waste collection and storage centres by solar cell and module producers in compliance with the Electronic Waste Management Rules 2022.

5: Understanding Solar Waste and Its Recyclability

- Solar waste is any waste generated during the manufacturing of solar modules, from discarded modules, or scrap from manufacturing processes.

- Almost 80% of solar panel components are recyclable, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

- The recycling process can help recover materials like glass, aluminium, copper, silicon, and silver.

6: Challenges of Solar Waste Recycling in India

- Lack of specific laws governing solar waste management leading to inconsistency in recycling efforts.

- Complexity in separating numerous materials in solar panels for effective recycling.

- The involvement of informal recyclers without the necessary safety measures can lead to harmful practices.

- Limited demand for recycled materials hampers the economic feasibility of recycling efforts.

7: India's Initiatives Related to Solar Energy

- Launch of schemes like National Solar Mission, Solar Park Scheme, Rooftop Solar Scheme, PM-KUSUM scheme, and PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojna.

- Formation of the International Solar Alliance to promote solar energy on a global platform.

8: Strategies for Effective Solar Waste Management

- Creation of a stringent regulatory framework for collection, recycling, and recovery targets.

- Formalisation of informal recyclers through training and equipment provision.

- Establishment of facilities for refurbishing solar panels and providing them with a second life.

- Fostering solar-waste entrepreneurship with incentives for creating sustainable products using recycled solar materials.

9: Electronic Waste Management Rules 2022

- Mandates management of E-Waste, including solar PV modules, panels, and cells.

- Prescribes targets for producers through the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system.

- Guidelines for storing waste generated from solar PV modules and cells up to 2034-35.

- Ensuring that Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) and their components do not contain hazardous substances beyond the prescribed concentration.