Copyright © 2026 Authors retain the copyright of this article. This article is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

@article{174534,
        author = {Dr.P.ELAMURUGAN and RAGUL S},
        title = {Enhancing Photovoltaic Waste Management in India: A Comparative Study with International Practices and Strategic Suggestions},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {11},
        number = {11},
        pages = {127-134},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=174534},
        abstract = {The exponential growth of solar photovoltaic (PV) installations across the globe has dramatically changed the energy landscape worldwide, but it has also posed a significant environmental challenge: effective management of PV waste. India, being a leader in the renewable energy sector with ambitious solar capacity goals, is at a critical juncture in addressing this issue. This review critically compares India's photovoltaic waste management practices with established frameworks and technologies in countries like Germany, Japan, the United States, and China, where PV waste management systems are more advanced. The study assesses the lifecycle of PV modules, identifies key sources of waste generation, and examines the existing regulatory landscape, recycling infrastructure, and market dynamics in India. It discusses global best practices in the domains of EPR, advanced recycling technologies, and circular economy models to depict their applicability and potential to be adapted within the Indian framework. The critical gaps in the Indian approach are further identified as there is no separate PV waste policy, lack of advanced recycling facilities, and too little public-private partnerships. Based on these conclusions, actionable recommendations are proposed for improving India's PV waste management strategy, such as the establishment of strict regulations, development of domestic recycling technologies, financial incentives for stakeholders, and increased awareness among consumers and manufacturers. The study highlights the importance of aligning India's policies with global best practices to ensure sustainable growth in the solar energy sector. By creating a circular economy for photovoltaic materials, India would be able to reduce environmental risk, maximize recovery of resources, and become a global leader in sustainable development of solar energy.},
        keywords = {Circular Economy, Environmental Risk Mitigation, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), Global Best Practices, India Solar Energy Sector, Photovoltaic Waste Management, PV Module Lifecycle, Recycling Technologies, Renewable Energy Policy, Solar Energy Sustainability},
        month = {March},
        }