While the rapid deployment of solar PV systems and battery storage technologies is essential for accelerating the energy transition, it is simultaneously creating an emerging challenge concerning the management of end-of-life (EoL) equipment. PV modules typically have an operational lifetime of approximately 25–30 years. Consequently, the increasing volume of solar installations worldwide is expected to result in a substantial increase in PV waste in the coming decades.
The experts from IRENA and India emphasized on importance of developing appropriate policies, regulatory frameworks, collection mechanisms, recycling infrastructure, technological capabilities and regional cooperation for the responsible disposal, recycling, reuse and repurposing of solar panels for ensuring that the clean energy transition is both environmentally sustainable and aligned with the principles of a circular economy.
The Presentation and video link of the webinar are given below:
- Presentation by Mr. Jinlei Feng, IRENA, Click Here
- Presentation by Mr. Jaideep N. Malaviya, Inida, Click Here
- Webinar Video, Click Here
You may submit comments, views and/or observations on the webinar to SAARC Energy Centre through email to Mr. Tandin Jamtsho, Research Fellow (Energy Transport & Environment) (rfete@saarcenergy.org).