Thu Nov 06 12:30:13 UTC 2025: Summary:

Two studies by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) project that India will generate approximately 11 million tonnes of solar waste by 2047, primarily from crystalline-silicon modules. Managing this waste will require significant investment in recycling infrastructure, but it also presents a substantial economic opportunity. Recovering valuable materials from discarded solar panels could meet a significant portion of the sector’s manufacturing inputs and reduce carbon emissions. However, solar recycling is currently unprofitable due to high operational costs, particularly module buyback. The CEEW studies recommend the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) targets, the establishment of a Circular Solar Taskforce, and improved data transparency to make solar recycling viable and turn it into a green industry opportunity.

News Article:

India Faces Solar Waste Mountain, Poised for Recycling Boom

New Delhi, November 6, 2025 – India is projected to generate a staggering 11 million tonnes of solar waste by 2047, primarily from discarded solar panels, according to new research. While presenting a significant environmental challenge, the situation also holds the promise of a multi-billion rupee recycling industry, experts say.

Two studies released today by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) estimate that managing this waste will require nearly 300 recycling plants and an investment of approximately ₹4,200 crore. However, the recovered materials, including silicon, copper, aluminium, and silver, could create a ₹3,700-crore market and satisfy up to 38% of the solar manufacturing sector’s input needs by 2047. Recycled materials could also avoid 37 million tonnes of carbon emissions, furthering India’s climate goals.

Currently, India’s solar module recycling market is in its infancy. The CEEW report calls for a comprehensive strategy to build a domestic solar recycling ecosystem, supporting both clean energy and manufacturing self-reliance. The report also notes that current recycling operations are unprofitable, with recyclers facing significant losses due to high costs associated with buying back waste modules.

To address this, the CEEW recommends several key actions, including:

  • Implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) targets for collection and recovery under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022.
  • Establishing a Circular Solar Taskforce under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy to align policy, finance, and industry action.
  • Creating a centralized solar inventory to identify waste hotspots.
  • Requiring producers to share material data and design modules for easy disassembly.

“Solar recycling can be the bridge between India’s clean energy and manufacturing ambitions,” said Akanksha Tyagi, Programme Lead at CEEW. “Beyond managing waste, it’s an opportunity to innovate by designing panels for easier recovery, improving material purity and creating new value chains around critical minerals.”

The studies urge policy makers to incentivize recycling through measures like EPR certificate trading, tax incentives, and increased R&D investment. By embracing circular economy principles, India can transform its solar waste challenge into a thriving green industry.

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