Abstract:
Solar power production in the country has grown exponentially in this decade. It has
been projected as a way to improve the energy accessibility of the country and as an
alternate to most of the conventional power generation sources. We aim to produce a
considerable amount of power by using solar energy. If unprepared we are literally
looking at a pile of damaged modules to the size of a mountain. This causes serious
environmental and health issues. An early development of necessary photovoltaic
module recycling infrastructure is necessary for the usage of solar power in a
sustainable manner. It needs the support of an exemplary policy regime. This study
attempts to study the existing regulations associated with the end-of-life management
of photovoltaic modules in India and the associated stakeholders in the process. The
study also tries to understand the functioning of Extended Producer Responsibility in
the country.
The study puts forth immediate policy interventions needed in three areas –
operational infrastructure, financing and regulatory framework. The options are
discussed in detail and the study suggests using the 6R framework and cooperation with
countries successful in handling Photovoltaic module wastes as a way forward.
Keywords – Extended Producer Responsibility, Photovoltaic modules, End-of-life
management, stakeholder liability and policy framework
