The solar photo-voltaic modules, panels, and cells in the E-Waste (Management) Rules 2022 is a positive step towards managing the waste generated from the renewable energy sector.
India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has very recently notified the E-Waste (Management) Rules 2022. The rule features the management of solar photo-voltaic modules, panels, and cells. These rules were notified on 2nd November 2022. As per the rules every manufacturer and producer of solar photo-voltaic modules or panels or cells in India shall comply with various requirements. Management of solar PV modules panels/ cells has been added in Chapter V of the said rules.
Registration on the Portal
The first requirement is that all manufacturer and producer of solar photo-voltaic modules or panels or cells shall ensure registration on the portal setup by Indian Govt. The portal will be used to maintain an inventory of solar photo-voltaic modules or panels or cells waste generated up to the year 2034-2035.
Storage of Waste
Manufacturers and producers of solar photo-voltaic modules or panels or cells shall store the waste generated up to the year 2034-2035. As the guidelines laid down by the Central Pollution Control Board. Such procedure will ensure that the waste is managed and disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.
Filing Annual Returns
Manufacturers and producers of solar photo-voltaic modules or panels or cells shall file annual returns in the laid down form on the portal on or before the end of the year. The return relates up to the year 2034-2035. This provision may help in tracking the amount of waste generated and the steps taken to manage it.
Processing of Waste
Manufacturers and producers shall ensure that the processing of the waste other than solar photo-voltaic modules or panels or cells shall be done as per the applicable rules or guidelines for the time being in force. This will help in ensuring the waste is managed in an appropriate manner and does not harm the environment.
Inventory Management
All manufacturers and producers shall ensure that the inventory of solar photo-voltaic modules or panels or cells shall be put in place distinctly on the Govt. portal. This feature help in tracking the waste generated and the steps taken to manage it.
Compliance with Guidelines
The Manufacturers and producers shall comply with standard operating procedure and guidelines laid down by the Central Pollution Control Board in this regard. Such provision will ensure that the waste is managed in an appropriate manner and does not harm the environment.
Recycling Mandate
Furthermore, recyclers of solar photo-voltaic modules or panels or cells shall be mandated for the recovery of material as laid down by the Central Pollution Control Board. This may help in the recovery of valuable materials from the waste and reduce the environmental impact of solar panel waste.
 This information was given by the Union Minister of Renewable Energy & Power R.K. Singh in the Rajya Sabha Today.
(India CSR)
