As India’s solar power capacity crosses the 100 GW milestone, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has released draft guidelines to manage the growing burden of solar photovoltaic (PV) waste. Experts project the country will generate over 34,600 tons of solar waste by 2030—a figure likely to rise to 6 lakh tons by 2040.
CPCB Proposes Framework for Safe Solar Waste Disposal
The draft guidelines, titled “Safe Handling and Disposal of Solar Photovoltaic Modules, Panels, and Cells”, were released on May 30, 2025. They outline clear responsibilities for manufacturers, bulk consumers, dismantlers, and recyclers, under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022.
According to CPCB data, India’s solar waste generation stood at just 100 tonnes in 2020. However, it is set to surge as the country’s solar footprint grows rapidly. India had 73 GW of solar capacity installed as of March 2023. With a target of 292 GW by 2030, the need for structured waste management is urgent.
Risks from Improper Disposal
Solar PV waste contains glass, aluminum, silicon, plastics, and toxic heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and antimony. The CPCB warns that improper disposal of such materials could pose serious risks to human health and the environment.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Enforced
Under the proposed rules, producers, importers, and sellers of solar PV modules must manage the end-of-life disposal of solar equipment. The guidelines require them to route all waste only through registered dismantlers and recyclers.
To support this process, producers must set up collection centers or take-back systems, allowing customers to return used modules easily.
Rules for Bulk Consumers and Institutions
Bulk consumers, including government agencies and industrial users, must also play their part. The draft guidelines require them to safely store PV waste and hand it over only to authorized entities for recycling or disposal.
Call for Standardized Waste Practices
With solar installations growing rapidly, CPCB emphasizes the need for standardized and safe waste management systems. As reported by etenergyworld.com, the rules aim to support India’s clean energy transition. They aim to prevent new environmental challenges in the years ahead.
