SOLAR WASTE
- Solar waste refers to the waste materials generated throughout the lifecycle of solar energy systems, primarily from the manufacturing, installation, operation, and decommissioning of solar panels and related equipment.
- This waste can include various materials such as broken or defective solar panels, packaging materials, electronic components, and other materials used in the construction and maintenance of solar energy systems.
- Managing and disposing of solar waste responsibly is important to minimize environmental impact and ensure the sustainability of solar energy as a renewable energy source
- Solar waste encompasses the byproducts resulting from both the production of solar modules and their utilization in the field over their lifespan, as indicated by the research. Manufacturing gives rise to two forms of waste: firstly, the scrap generated during production, and secondly, the waste originating from photovoltaic (PV) modules failing quality assessments.
- Conversely, field waste includes three distinct categories. Firstly, there's waste incurred during transportation and handling, where damaged modules are classified as waste. Secondly, waste is generated from the deterioration of solar modules during their operational life. Lastly, waste arises when modules reach their end-of-life and are no longer functional.
- The research specifically concentrated on waste from the field, omitting consideration of waste generated during manufacturing.
- Projections suggest that by 2030, India's current solar capacity will result in approximately 340 kt of waste, tripling the current amount.
- It's anticipated that 67 per cent of this waste will be generated in five states: Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.
- This is attributable to the fact that these states presently possess higher solar capacity compared to others, thus leading to increased solar waste production
- The cumulative waste from existing and new capacity (deployed between FY24 and FY30) will reach about 600 kt by 2030, according to the report. By 2050, it will increase to about 19,000 kt and 77 per cent of which will be generated from new capacities
- As the discarded 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 study focused on them also. 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
Dealing with solar waste involves implementing strategies to minimize its generation, properly manage its disposal, and promote recycling and reuse wherever possible. Here are some key approaches:
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Reduce Waste Generation: Encourage manufacturers to adopt cleaner production methods that minimize waste generation during the manufacturing process. This could include optimizing manufacturing processes, improving quality control to reduce defective products, and adopting sustainable sourcing practices for raw materials.
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Recycling and Reuse: Promote the recycling of solar panels and related components to recover valuable materials such as silicon, glass, aluminum, and other metals. Establish collection and recycling programs to ensure that end-of-life solar panels are properly disposed of and recycled. Encourage the development of technologies for recycling solar panels efficiently and cost-effectively.
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Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Implement policies and regulations that hold solar panel manufacturers responsible for managing and disposing of their products at the end of their life. This could include requiring manufacturers to take back and recycle old solar panels, establishing recycling targets, and imposing financial penalties for non-compliance.
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Resource Recovery: Explore opportunities to recover energy from solar waste through processes such as incineration with energy recovery or anaerobic digestion. This can help offset disposal costs and reduce the environmental impact of waste management.
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Landfill Disposal: As a last resort, dispose of solar waste in landfills that are properly engineered and managed to minimize environmental contamination. However, this option should be avoided whenever possible, as it contributes to the depletion of finite landfill space and can pose environmental risks if not managed properly.
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Research and Innovation: Invest in research and development to explore new technologies and methods for managing solar waste more effectively. This could include advancements in recycling technologies, the development of biodegradable materials for solar panels, and innovative approaches to repurposing solar waste for other applications
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For Prelims: Economic and Social Development
For Mains: General Studies III: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
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