India's Solar Waste Could Reach 600 kt by 2030, Study Finds

Solar energy is driving India's clean energy transition.

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By 2030, these estimates could go up to 340 kt due to existing capacity.

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67% of this waste is expected to be generated in five states: Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

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The cumulative waste from existing and new capacity will reach about 600 kt by 2030.

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Solar waste contains metals such as lead, cadmium, and tellurium that are toxic to humans and the environment.

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But, recycling solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies has environmental, economic, and social benefits.

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It contains critical minerals with high economic value like silver and silicon that can reduce India's import dependency and enhance mineral security.

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Managing solar waste can also lay the foundation for a circular economy by:

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How can India manage

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We recommend:

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Read Full Study

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Solar energy is driving India's clean energy transition.

Solar energy is driving India's clean energy transition.

But how do we manage the solar waste problem?

But how do we manage the solar waste problem?

By 2030, these estimates could go up to 340 kt due to existing capacity.

By 2030, these estimates could go up to 340 kt due to existing capacity.

As of FY23, India's installed 66.7 GW solar capacity has generated about 100 kilotonnes (kt) of waste.

As of FY23, India's installed 66.7 GW solar capacity has generated about 100 kilotonnes (kt) of waste.

67% of this waste is expected to be generated in five states: Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

67% of this waste is expected to be generated in five states: Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

The cumulative waste from existing and new capacity will reach about 600 kt by 2030.

The cumulative waste from existing and new capacity will reach about 600 kt by 2030.

Solar waste contains metals such as lead, cadmium, and tellurium that are toxic to humans and the environment.

Solar waste contains metals such as lead, cadmium, and tellurium that are toxic to humans and the environment.

But, recycling solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies has environmental, economic, and social benefits.

But, recycling solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies has environmental, economic, and social benefits.

It contains critical minerals with high economic value like silver and silicon that can reduce India's import dependency and enhance mineral security.

It contains critical minerals with high economic value like silver and silicon that can reduce India's import dependency and enhance mineral security.

Managing solar waste can also lay the foundation for a circular economy by:

Managing solar waste can also lay the foundation for a circular economy by:

1) Using recovered minerals in the domestic manufacturing of new PV cells and modules

1) Using recovered minerals in the domestic manufacturing of new PV cells and modules

2) Reducing the need for mining and purification of virgin materials

2) Reducing the need for mining and purification of virgin materials

3) Creating green jobs

3) Creating green jobs

How can India manage

How can India manage

solar waste

solar waste

better?

better?

We recommend:

We recommend:

1) Maintaining and periodically updating an installed solar capacity database for accurate mapping of waste generation centres

1) Maintaining and periodically updating an installed solar capacity database for accurate mapping of waste generation centres

2) Issuing guidelines for collecting and storing solar waste

2) Issuing guidelines for collecting and storing solar waste

3) Promoting safe and efficient processing of stored waste

3) Promoting safe and efficient processing of stored waste

Read Full Study

Enabling a Circular Economy in India’s Solar Industry

Enabling a Circular Economy in India’s Solar Industry

Assessing the Solar Waste Quantum

Assessing the Solar Waste Quantum