Waste management of solar cells in South Asia: an environmental concern of the emerging market

• Published in: Environmental science and pollution research international 2024-03, Vol.31 (12), p.17760-17777
• Main Authors: Nazar, Rubab, Qayyum, Rabia, Baqar, Mujtaba, Tabassum, Muhammad Rizwan, Nizami, Abdul-Sattar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aquatic Pollution; Asia; Asia, Southern; Atmospheric Protection/Air Quality Control/Air Pollution; Earth and Environmental Science; Ecotoxicology; Electric power generation; Electronic waste; Emerging markets; End of life; Environment; Environmental Chemistry; Environmental Health; Environmental perception; Fossil fuels; Hazardous wastes; Heavy metals; India; Landfills; Legislation; Market value; Photovoltaic cells; Photovoltaics; Recycling; Solar cells; Solar energy; Solid Waste; Solid waste management; Solid wastes; Sustainable Waste Management & Circular Economy; Waste Management; Waste Water Technology; Water Management; Water Pollution Control
• ISSN: 1614-7499; 0944-1344; 1614-7499
• DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29094-4

The share of solar energy in the energy mix has become a major concern, and the global effort is to increase its contribution. Photovoltaic technology is an environment-friendly way of electricity production compared to fossil fuels. Currently, third generation of solar cells with a maximum average conversion efficiency of 20% has been achieved. Asia is an emerging market for photovoltaic technology, and it has recorded the highest installation capacity for 2018 (280 MW), 2030 (1860 MW), and 2050 (4837 MW). Meanwhile, Asia is estimated to be the highest producer of PV waste by 2040, with 5,580,000 metric tons of waste volume. Solid waste management is already a big environmental issue in South Asian countries, and untested landfilling of solar cells can further increase the burden. This review emphasizes the end-of-life scenario of solar cells in developing South Asian countries. Solar cell waste is hazardous e-waste that can lead to environmental and health impacts if not managed properly. It consists of metals with market value, which can be waste or gold, depending on its management. The study finds that recycling is the economically and environmentally effective waste management option for solar cells in South Asia. This paper reviews the deficiencies in the existing solar cell waste management framework in South Asian countries. Moreover, practical implications are presented for designing an effective waste management plan for solar cells in South Asian countries. Strong legislation, sufficient recycling infrastructure, and high stakeholders’ interests are required to resolve this environmental concern. Graphical Abstract