National Green Tribunal Calls for Urgent Action on Solar Panel Recycling in India

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has expressed serious concerns over the improper disposal and recycling of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, a pressing issue arising from the rapid adoption of solar energy in rural India. With solar panels gaining popularity under initiatives like the Kusum Yojna, the lack of an effective disposal infrastructure is becoming an environmental challenge.

Why Solar Panel Recycling Needs Attention?

A plea filed by Ashish Singh Chandel, a farmer from Uttar Pradesh, highlighted the absence of proper recycling mechanisms for damaged or obsolete solar panels. Farmers, often unaware of the risks, either bury the panels in fields or discard them in landfills. While scrap dealers salvage components like aluminium, copper, and glass, other materials such as silicon and polymers are left unmanaged, creating an ecological hazard.

Solar panels can contain toxic heavy metals like lead and cadmium, which, if not properly handled, can leach into the soil and water, posing a significant threat to ecosystems and public health.

NGT Urges Action Under E-Waste Management Rules, 2022

Responding to the plea, the NGT has sought clarification from the Union of India, calling for a comprehensive recycling and disposal strategy in alignment with the E-Waste Management Rules, 2022. The tribunal emphasized the urgency of bridging the existing gap in infrastructure to ensure the safe disposal and recycling of PV solar panels.

Environmental and Economic Benefits of Proper Solar Panel Recycling

Implementing an efficient recycling framework can yield multiple benefits:

• Environmental Safety: Proper disposal will prevent hazardous substances from contaminating the environment.

• Resource Recovery: Recycling valuable materials like silicon, aluminium, and glass can contribute to a circular economy.

• Sustainable Growth: Developing a solar panel recycling industry aligns with India's renewable energy goals while minimizing environmental damage.

  
  

A Path Toward Sustainable Solar Adoption

As India marches toward its renewable energy ambitions, addressing the lifecycle of solar panels becomes crucial. Effective recycling and disposal policies will not only safeguard the environment but also ensure the sustainability of the country's solar energy revolution. The NGT's intervention is a timely reminder of the need to balance growth with ecological responsibility.