Solar Waste in India
Source: Indian Express
GS III: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
Overview
- News in Brief
- Findings of the Study
Why in the News?
India generated about 100 kilotonnes (kt) of solar waste in the financial year (FY) 2022-2023.
News in Brief
- The amount of solar waste produced by the country is expected to reach 600 kt by 2030.
- Enabling a Circular Economy in India’s Solar Industry – Assessing the Solar Waste Quantum, was done by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
Findings of the Study
- India’s current installed solar capacity will generate about 340 kt three times more than the present.
- Around 67 per cent of this waste is expected to be produced by five states
- Rajasthan
- Gujarat
- Karnataka
- Tamil Nadu
- Andhra Pradesh
- By 2050, it will increase to about 19,000 kt and 77 per cent of which will be generated from new capacities.
- Modules contain minerals such as silicon, copper, tellurium, and cadmium — which have been classified as critical minerals for the country’s economic development and national security by the Indian government.
- The 340 kt waste expected to be produced by 2030 would consist of 10 kt of silicon, 12-18 tonnes of silver, and 16 tonnes of cadmium and tellurium.
What are Solar Waste?
- Solar waste refers to the byproducts generated during the manufacturing, installation, and disposal of solar panels and other photovoltaic (PV) systems.
- While solar energy is generally considered clean and sustainable, the production and disposal processes can create environmental challenges.
How is the waste generated?
- Manufacturing Waste: The production of solar panels involves various materials such as glass, aluminum, silicon, and rare metals like cadmium and gallium. The extraction and processing of these materials can result in waste products and emissions.
- Installation Waste: During the installation of solar panels, packaging materials, excess wiring, and other components may contribute to waste generation.
- End-of-Life Waste: Solar panels have a lifespan of around 25-30 years, after which they need to be decommissioned and disposed of. This can lead to significant waste management issues if not handled properly.
Examples for waste
- Manufacturing Waste
- The manufacturing process of solar panels can generate hazardous waste, including silicon tetrachloride, which is a byproduct of polysilicon production.
- Improper disposal of this waste can lead to environmental contamination.
- Installation Waste
- Packaging materials such as cardboard, plastic, and foam are often used to protect solar panels during shipping and installation.
- If not recycled or disposed of properly, these materials can contribute to pollution.
- End-of-Life Waste
- As the number of decommissioned solar panels increases, finding sustainable methods for recycling or disposing of them becomes crucial.
- Without proper management, old solar panels can end up in landfills, posing environmental risks.
How to deal with Solar Waste in India?
- Recycling Initiatives: Encourage the development of recycling facilities dedicated to recovering valuable materials from decommissioned solar panels.
- Regulatory Frameworks: Implement policies and regulations to ensure proper disposal and management of solar waste, including incentives for manufacturers to adopt eco-friendly practices.
- Research and Innovation: Invest in research and development to explore alternative materials and manufacturing processes that reduce the environmental footprint of solar energy systems.
Conclusion
By adopting a comprehensive approach that addresses the entire lifecycle of solar panels, we can minimize the environmental impact of solar waste and maximize the sustainability of renewable energy technologies.
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