It is time we focused on solar PV waste disposal

The global shift towards sustainability is accelerating, with the solar energy sector playing a crucial role in this transformation.

- BY VANDANA MAURYA

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) technology is widely used to generate electricity without emissions, leading to its widespread expansion across the world over the last few decades and so is the waste.

IRENA renewable capacity Statistics 2025 indicate that 585 GW of renewable energy was added in 2024 and solar energy with 451.9 GW dominated the total renewable capacity. In 2024, China dominated installed solar capacity with 278 GW, followed by the US (38.2 GW) and India (24.5 GW).

As Solar PV panels have a lifespan of around 18-25 years, the accumulation of solar PV is also inevitable. Solar Waste encompasses end-of-life solar photovoltaic (PV) modules, panels, and cells, whether fully or partially discarded. It also includes rejects and waste from manufacturing, refurbishment, and repair processes, as well as solar panels damaged during transportation, handling, storage, and installation. Global PV waste is expected to increase from 43,500-250,000 metric tons in 2016 to over 70 million tons by 2050. Between 2025 and 2050, the United States is projected to generate 24.93 million tonnes of photovoltaic (PV) waste, while the European Union is expected to produce 36.23 million tonnes.

Solar waste and its management pose various environmental concerns, including air pollution, water pollution, waste of precious resources, loss of materials, and waste of energy. Crystalline silicon (c-Si) panels are composed of more than 90 per cent glass, polymer, and aluminium, which are classified as nonhazardous waste. However, recycling challenges arise due to smaller components, including silicon, silver, and trace amounts of tin and lead, which together make up around 4 per cent of the panel’s mass.