India urgently needs a policy on material use standards in solar module manufacturing and waste management.

Bridge To India estimates that by 2050, the amount of solar module waste will increase to 1.8 million tons. India has neither policy guidance nor operational infrastructure to ensure modular waste recycling. There is no solar panel recycling facility for antimony glass in the country.

By contrast, BTI points out that EU's Eco-Design Directive 2009 is a policy tool designed to reduce the impact of energy-related products on the environment throughout their life cycle.

No economic case

"To make solar energy a truly green energy, the industry must work together to actively ensure sustainable waste management plans for solar systems," said Vinay Rustagi, general manager of Bridge To India.

According to India's "Electronic Waste (Management and Disposal) Regulations 2011", most tender documents are responsible for the disposal and disposal of solar waste from developers.

According to BTI, solar panel recycling is still not commercially attractive. The cost of recovery in Europe and the United States is estimated to be between $250 and $300 per ton (Rs. 17,300-20,800). Transportation can increase costs by 60-100% depending on distance. By contrast, the value of recycled materials is estimated to be only about $45-130 per ton, based on the recycling technology used for crystalline silicon (c-Si) modules.

India is making various attempts, especially in the European Union and the United States, to ensure that the recovery of raw materials is improved in a cost-effective manner.

Glass Recovery Procedure

The Ministry of New Energy and Renewable Energy proposed that solar developers follow glass recycling procedures for solar panels.

"Producers may be responsible for ensuring the recycling of discarded glass panels as part of their extended responsibilities, such as the situation of electronic waste, including used lead-acid batteries, packaging materials and so on," the Ministry said in its concept note. "Generators may have facilities to safely dismantle old solar panels, or they should cooperate with authorized dismantling facilities."