The Indian Energy Sector Planning Authority required recycling of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules and their life cycle management in the middle of supplier chain problems and environmental concerns about their disposal.
Ghanshyam Prasad, chairman of the Central Electricity Office (CEA), spoke of consultation with the participating parties held in September, called for a greater focus on the durability, recycling and control of the life cycle of solar installations.
The stakeholders emphasized the need for recycling of the framework and standards of life cycle in an effort to solve a problem that could become the main problem in the future, October 13 said CEA report based on consultation.
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Certainly, solar PV Earth’s waste appears as the main challenge, with estimates indicating that by 2030 it will increase to more than 600 kilotons and 19,000 kilotons, out of about 100 kilotons in 2023.
The report noted that in addition to India dependence on imported options and polypysilicone, there are also gaps in the production of indigenous equipment, high capital costs of emerging production lines and lack of recycling frames.
“To enforce compulsory recycling PV and life cycle standards,” the report said.
VAIBHAV Pareek, director, company focused on solar technology Surya Sparks Solutions PVT. LTD, it was of the opinion that in this segment it is necessary to support policy and recycling.
Indian solar capacity has grown in recent years, in the background of 500 Gigawatts non-fossil capacity by 2030. Indian solar capacity is currently 125 GW and is expected to reach 280 GW by the end of this decade.
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In addition, the capacity of the domestic module, currently standing at 100 GW, while the cell production capacity is 25 GW.
Waste
While the design life of solar modules is currently 25 years old, some may experience energy, environment and water (CEEW) at the beginning of their lives due to factors such as damage, improper treatment and project operations.
The CEEW study published in 2024 recommended that the Indian solar industry to prepare for these new responsibilities by the arrangement of reverse logistics, storage, dismantling centers and recycling facilities.
“The industry should also explore innovative financing mechanisms and business models for solar waste management. There should also be a periodically updated database of installed solar capacity (containing details such as module technology, manufacturer and commissioning date) to accurately map credible waste and planting and deployment.
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Recycling is also important because it helps India to get some critical minerals. According to CEEW, waste from the Indian installed solar capacity (from March 2024) to 2030 would increase to 340 kilotons, containing about 10 kilotons of silicon, 12-18 tons of silver and 16 tons of cadmium and telurium, most of which are critical minerals for India.
The study found that the remaining 260 kilotons of waste came from a new capacity that will be deployed in this decade.
(Tagstotranslate) India solar panel recycling
