**Executive Summary**
This report outlines the Indian government's strategic initiatives to manage solar waste, which is projected to reach 600 kilo-tonnes by 2030. Key measures include the implementation of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, the operationalization of an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) portal, and the launch of a ₹1,500 crore incentive scheme. These actions aim to transition the solar sector toward a circular economy through research, innovation challenges, and domestic recycling capability development.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Regulatory Framework**
* Notification of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, which specifically cover the environmentally sound management of solar photo-voltaic panels.
* Establishment of an online Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Portal by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to streamline e-waste management.
* **Strategic Planning and Committees**
* Formation of 11 focus area committees to expedite the transition from a linear to a circular economy, including a specific committee for Solar Panels.
* MNRE-led initiatives to create dedicated action plans for circularity within the renewable energy sector.
* **Research, Development, and Innovation**
* Launch of the “Innovation Challenge for Circularity in Renewable Energy Technologies” to support research in recycling, second-life applications, and circular design for solar modules and batteries.
* The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has issued a "Call for proposal" to develop economically viable recycling processes through academia–industry partnerships.
* **Financial Incentives and Resource Recovery**
* Allocation of a ₹1,500 crore outlay under the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) for a recycling incentive scheme.
* Focus on recovering critical minerals from e-waste, lithium-ion batteries, and end-of-life solar components to support clean-energy supply chains.
**Impact Analysis**
**Solar Manufacturers and Producers**
**Impact**
They are now governed by the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, and held accountable for the end-of-life management of solar photo-voltaic panels.
**Action Required**
Must comply with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) mandates and utilize the CPCB’s online portal for reporting and management.
**Academia and Private Researchers**
**Impact**
New opportunities have been created for funding and partnerships to develop recycling technologies and circular designs.
**Action Required**
Submit proposals for the DST’s recycling projects and participate in the MNRE’s Innovation Challenge for renewable energy technologies.
**Recycling and Mineral Recovery Industry**
**Impact**
The sector benefits from a ₹1,500 crore financial incentive aimed at building domestic capabilities for recovering critical minerals.
**Action Required**
Develop infrastructure and processes for the recovery of minerals from solar waste and apply for incentives under the National Critical Mineral Mission.
Key Entities Referenced
E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022: The regulatory framework notified by the government that covers the environmentally sound management of waste generated from solar photo-voltaic panels.
National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM): A mission under which a ₹1500 crore recycling incentive scheme was launched to develop domestic capabilities for recovering critical minerals from e-waste and batteries.
Innovation Challenge for Circularity in Renewable Energy Technologies: An MNRE initiative launched to support research and innovation in recycling, second-life applications, and circular design for solar modules and batteries.
Committee on Circular Economy in Solar Panels: A specialized committee constituted by the MNRE to prepare action plans for transitioning the solar sector from a linear to a circular economy.
Renewable Energy Research and Technology Development (RE-RTD) programme: The overarching programme that supports research and development projects for recycling and circularity in renewable energy technologies.
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
Government Takes Steps to Promote Domestic
Recycling Capacity and Circular Economy in
Solar Sector
Posted On: 17 MAR 2026 3:30PM by PIB Delhi
With the support of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), the Council on Energy,
Environment and Water, a think tank, has estimated that cumulative waste from existing and projected
solar capacity installations in India could reach around 600 kilo-tonnes by 2030.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India has notified the E-Waste
(Management) Rules, 2022. These rules also cover environmentally sound management of e-waste
generated from electrical and electronic equipment, including solar photo-voltaic panels. An online
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Portal for E-Waste management has also been made operational
by the Central Pollution Control Board.
The Government has taken following steps to promote domestic recycling capacity and circular economy
practices in the country:
The Government of India constituted committees to prepare action plans to expedite transition from linear
to circular economy in 11 focus areas including Solar Panels. The MNRE had constituted a Committee on
Circular Economy in Solar Panels.
The MNRE had launched an “Innovation Challenge for Circularity in Renewable Energy Technologies –
Batteries and Solar Photovoltaic” to support research and innovation in recycling, second-life applications,
and circular design of solar modules and batteries under the Renewable Energy Research and Technology
Development (RE-RTD) programme.
The Department of Science and Technology (DST), issued a Call for proposal on “Recovery and
Recycling of End-of-Life Solar PV Panels/Modules” to develop economically viable recycling processes
and equipment through academia–industry partnerships.
Ministry of Mines (MoM) launched a recycling incentive scheme with an outlay of Rs. 1500 crore under
the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) to develop domestic capabilities for recovering critical
minerals from e-waste, lithium-ion battery waste, and components of end-of-life vehicles, supporting
circular economy practices in clean-energy supply chains.
This information was submitted by Union Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy Shri Shripad
Yesso Naik in a written reply to Rajya Sabha today.
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Navin Sreejith
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