Speakers pitch for new environment framework for handling solar panel waste

Speakers participating in a workshop on solar waste governance, which was organised by the Consumer and Civic Action Group (CAG) in the city on Wednesday, wanted an exclusive solar recycling policy to be enacted by the Central government, similar to the e-waste policy in the country to deal with solar panel wastes. Swati Singh Sambyal, principal expert (Pollution) of GRID-Arendal, said with the country having set a target of 280 giga watt (GW) of solar energy, processing of solar photo voltaic (PV) panels has become an environmental challenge. Citing the failure of extended producer responsibility (EPR) in safely dismantling and creating a circular economy, Ms. Sambyal wanted an environmental law framework to be created. She highlighted the growth of solar installation at present, resulting in high-risk waste generation and the regulatory gaps in the current framework of e-waste policy. Syed Sultan of NST Hi-Tech Recycling, said at present, though there is high potential for recycling the solar waste, most people are not familiar with handling waste unlike other countries including China. Mr. Sultan said only New Delhi is doing a good job in handling solar panel waste. Published - October 15, 2026 12:33 am IST