India’s Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) released draft guidelines for the safe management of waste related to solar photovoltaic (PV) modules, panels, and cells. The guidelines, released on June 4, aim to address growing concerns around solar waste management in India.
An increase in solar energy capacity in the future is expected to generate significant volumes of waste. A study estimates that solar PVs would generate approximately 4.5 million tonnes of waste by 2050. The projection is based on the total installed solar PV installation of 64 GW by March 2023. Another study estimates that India could generate between 11 and 34 kilotonnes (kt) of PV waste by 2030, depending on low to high growth scenarios.
The draft guidelines highlight that solar panel waste poses environmental and health risks due to hazardous materials such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, and selenium. Improper handling or burning of this waste could release toxic emissions, contaminate soil and water, and endanger workers.
The draft recommends recycling solar waste as solar panels consist of recyclable materials such as aluminium, copper, silver, etc. These recovered materials could reduce the need for new raw materials.
Under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, the responsibility of managing solar PV waste lies with manufacturers, producers, and authorised recyclers.
The draft emphasises that only authorised handlers should collect solar waste and it should never be dumped in open spaces or sold to unverified entities. Producers are to establish collection mechanisms, publicise these systems, and maintain databases of customers and locations to support efficient retrieval of waste panels. Solar waste should be moved in covered vehicles, preferably those authorised for hazardous materials for transportation. If the waste is sent for final disposal, the sender must comply with the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016.
For storage, the recent draft guidelines recommend that solar PV waste be kept in dry, covered, and well-ventilated spaces with leak-proof, non-leachable flooring to prevent groundwater and soil contamination. Facilities must be equipped with fire protection systems, emergency escape routes, and an emergency response plan. Containers should be clearly labelled, and regular inspections must be carried out to monitor for damage.
The pollution control board is accepting public comments on the draft guidelines until June 25, 2025.
“The draft guidelines mark a significant step forward in establishing a structured reverse logistics and inventory system for solar PV waste. By emphasising safe transportation and storage, clear labelling for recyclability, and enhanced traceability through databases, we can mitigate environmental and social risks. As India moves towards a circular solar economy, the development of well-defined recycling targets will be crucial,” says Khushboo Garg, Senior Analyst at the Centre for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP), a think tank.
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