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The Significance of Including Solar PV Modules in E-waste Management Rules 2022

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The global energy landscape is shifting towards cleaner, renewable sources of energy. As a result, solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are becoming increasingly popular. India is also making significant strides in this direction with its National Solar Mission, which aims to achieve a solar power capacity of 100 GW by 2022. However, the growth in the solar industry is also creating a challenge for the management of electronic waste. The disposal of end-of-life solar PV panels can lead to environmental and health hazards. To address this issue, the Indian government has taken a proactive step by including solar PV modules in the scope of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022. This move is particularly significant as the government has set an ambitious target of achieving 450 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.

This blog will discuss the significance of including solar photovoltaic (PV) modules in the scope of the E-waste (Management) Rules, 2022 in India.

The E-waste (Management) Rules, 2022 outline the procedure for the storage of e-waste. Every manufacturer, producer, refurbisher, and recycler may store the e-waste for a period not exceeding 180 days and shall maintain records of sale, transfer, and storage of e-wastes. The storage of the e-waste must be done as per the applicable rules or guidelines for the time being in force. The Central Pollution Control Board may extend this period up to 365 days if the e-waste needs to be specifically stored for the development of a process for its recycling or reuse.

In Chapter V of the E-waste Management Rules, 2022, specific guidelines for the management of solar PV modules, panels, or cells have been outlined. Every manufacturer and producer of solar PV modules, panels, or cells must ensure registration on the portal, store solar PV modules or panels or cells waste generated up to the year 2034-2035 as per the guidelines laid down by the Central Pollution Control Board, file annual returns in the laid-down form on the portal before the end of the year to which the return relates up to year 2034-2035, ensure that the processing of waste other than solar PV modules or panels or cells shall be done as per the applicable rules or guidelines, put in place an inventory of solar PV modules or panels or cells distinctly on the portal, and comply with standard operating procedures and guidelines laid down by the Central Pollution Control Board in this regard.

Recyclers of solar PV modules or panels or cells shall be mandated for the recovery of materials as laid down by the Central Pollution Control Board.

The significance of including solar PV modules in the scope of the rules cannot be overstated. It will help ensure that the e-waste generated from solar PV modules is managed responsibly, reducing the impact on the environment and public health. As the country expands its solar energy capacity, the volume of solar PV modules that need to be disposed of will increase. The safe disposal of these modules will ensure that they do not become a hindrance to the growth of the solar energy sector in India and also help to create an ecosystem for the recycling and reuse of the valuable materials present in the modules.

Conclusion

Overall, the inclusion of solar PV modules in the e-waste management rules is a positive step towards ensuring sustainable and environmentally friendly growth of the solar industry in India. The E-waste (Management) Rules, 2022 will help to regulate the storage, management, and disposal of e-waste and promote responsible practices among manufacturers, producers, refurbishers, and recyclers. It is a significant milestone in India's journey towards achieving its target of 450 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.