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					</table>The Central Pollution Control Board (<a href="https://cpcb.nic.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CPCB</a>)has issued version 1.0 of the “Guidelines for Storage and Handling of Waste Solar Photo-Voltaic Modules or Panels or Cells” under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022.
The draft guidelines were <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/cpcb-issues-draft-guidelines-for-solar-waste-collection-and-storage" target="_blank" rel="noopener">issued</a> in June 2025.
The guidelines prescribe operational standards for the transportation, handling, and storage of waste solar modules, panels, and cells to ensure environmentally sound management and prevent risks to human health and the environment.
Transport and Collection 
The CPCB guidelines specify that waste solar photovoltaic modules, panels, and cells must be transported and handled in a manner that protects both human health and the environment. Solar waste must not be dumped in open areas or landfills due to the risk of releasing hazardous substances into the environment.
Waste intended for recycling must be handed over only to registered e-waste recyclers, while producers and manufacturers may collect and temporarily store the waste under regulated conditions.
Transportation must be carried out in covered trucks to prevent physical damage and environmental contamination. If the waste is transported for final disposal, the process must comply with the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016.
Storage and Handling
The Board has prescribed detailed storage and handling requirements for facilities managing solar waste. Waste photovoltaic modules must be stored in covered, dry, and well-ventilated spaces to prevent degradation and accidental breakage.
Storage floors must be impervious and non-leachable to prevent contamination of soil and groundwater. Broken modules must be stored separately in rigid and clearly labelled containers.
Facilities must install fire safety systems, maintain emergency response plans, and clearly label storage racks to enable safe handling and identification of materials for recycling. Personnel handling solar waste must be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment.
Operators must maintain detailed inventory records of the waste stored and conduct monthly inspections of storage facilities. Inspection reports must be maintained and produced during audits conducted by CPCB or state pollution control boards.
Compliance Monitoring
The CPCB stated that improper management of end-of-life solar panels could lead to environmental and health risks due to the presence of materials such as glass, aluminum frames, silicon wafers, plastics, and metals, including copper, silver, lead, cadmium, tellurium, gallium, arsenic, and tin.
To monitor compliance, the guidelines introduce an inspection format to record the month of inspection, the facility&#8217;s name and location, the quantity of waste stored, and the status of ventilation systems, fire safety arrangements, spill control mechanisms, PPE availability, and inventory management.
Regulatory Framework and Scope
The E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 were notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and came into effect on April 1, 2023. The rules cover 106 categories of electrical and electronic equipment, including solar panels, modules, and cells, which are classified under Schedule I as CEEW-14.
Under these rules, the management of electronic waste operates on the principle of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), requiring producers to meet recycling targets by purchasing EPR certificates from registered recyclers.
However, the current regulatory framework does not apply recycling targets to waste solar modules, panels, or cells. The rules assign responsibilities to manufacturers, producers, and recyclers of solar photovoltaic equipment.
These entities must register under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, follow CPCB guidelines and standard operating procedures, file annual returns on the regulatory portal, and store solar waste until the financial year 2034–35.
Producers and manufacturers must establish collection mechanisms, including take-back systems, and provide publicly accessible information about collection points and designated contact persons for consumer support and grievance redressal.
In 2024, the National Green Tribunal <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/green-tribunal-seeks-government-response-on-disposal-of-used-solar-modules" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sought</a> responses from multiple government agencies in response to a plea regarding the improper disposal and recycling of photovoltaic solar modules.

CPCB Issues Guidelines for Storage and Handling of Solar E-Waste

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					</table><a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/maharashtra-tamil-nadu-karnataka-lead-q1-solar-open-access-installations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India added 1.1 GW of solar open access capacity in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, down nearly 48% from 2.1 GW in Q4 2024</a>. Installations were down 47% year-over-year (YoY) from over 2 GW, according to the Q1 2025 Mercom India Solar Open Access Market report. Domestic solar modules were scarce due to the rush to commission before the end of the financial year. The quarter saw a slowdown in the commissioning of solar open access projects due to a shortage of transmission infrastructure, delays in the clearance procedure for connectivity, and uncertainty regarding the interstate transmission system (ISTS) waiver.
<a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/indias-solar-exports-up-26-imports-surge-80-2-qoq-in-q1-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indian solar module and cell exports increased 26.1% quarter-over-quarter (QoQ) to $267.6 million (~₹23.1 billion) in Q1 of 2025</a> from $212.2 million (~₹17.92 billion), according to recent data published by the Department of Commerce. However, module and cell exports declined 59.9% YoY to $666.7 million (~₹55.37 billion). Solar exports in the quarter were dominated by photovoltaic modules, which accounted for 98.7% of the total shipments, while solar cells made up the remaining 1.3%. The U.S. was the primary destination for Indian solar cell and module exports, accounting for 99.5% of the total in Q1 2025.
<a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/vppas-in-india-not-gained-momentum-cerc-guidelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs), a financial tool for energy-intensive industries seeking to meet their renewable energy obligations</a>, have not gained momentum in India despite their seemingly promising nature. The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission recently released draft guidelines to enable designated consumers to meet their renewable commitments. Under these guidelines, a VPPA or a designated consumer may enter into long-term bilateral virtual agreements with a renewable energy generator at an agreed-upon price.
<a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/solar-module-mounting-structure-market-leaders-in-2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Goodluck India, Strolar Mounting Systems, Raydean Industries, Metalkraft, and MTE Structures were the top five module mounting structure suppliers</a> to the Indian solar market in 2024, according to Mercom’s India Solar Market Leaderboard 2025 report. Goodluck India led the solar module mounting structure shipments with a market share of 25.3%. Stolar Mounting Systems and Raydean Industries followed, accounting for 17% and 13.8% of the shipments, respectively, in 2024.
<a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/monsoon-winds-weak-links-rooftop-solar" target="_blank" rel="noopener">As solar systems proliferate on India’s rooftops, a silent crisis is unfolding. The promise of clean energy and cost savings is being increasingly undercut</a> by poor engineering practices and subpar installations, many of which cannot withstand the monsoon winds and cyclonic conditions common in several parts of the country. Recent weather incidents in cities like Bhilwara, Gwalior, Indore, Mira Road, Kanpur, and Lucknow have highlighted this issue.
<a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/average-cost-of-large-scale-solar-projects-rose-marginally-in-q1-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Large-scale solar project costs in India increased for the second consecutive quarter, according to Mercom’s Q1 2025 India Solar Market Update</a>. Average project costs rose 3% QoQ and 1% YoY. The average selling price of Indian-made DCR-compliant modules increased in Q1 2025, fueled by strong demand from government programs like PM Surya Ghar and PM KUSUM and rising component costs. With developers scrambling to secure limited production slots, pricing pressure increased further.
<a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/solar-open-access-capacity-additions-in-india-slump-48-qoq-in-q1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India’s solar open access capacity additions dropped 47% YoY to 1.1 GW in the Q1 of 2025 from over 2 GW</a>, according to Mercom India’s Q1 2025 Solar Open Access Market Report. Solar open access capacity additions also dropped 48% QoQ from 2.1 GW in Q4 2024. According to Priya Sanjay, Managing Director of Mercom India, the numbers appear down, especially since the comparative quarters recorded high-capacity additions last year due to different reasons.
<a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/jinko-waaree-longi-trina-adani-lead-solar-module-supply-in-2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jinko Solar, Waaree Energies, LONGi Green Energy Technology, Trina Solar, and Adani Solar were the top solar module suppliers in 2024, according</a> to Mercom’s recently released India Solar Market Leaderboard 2025. The demand for solar modules in India has been growing, driven by the unprecedented solar project installations – 25.2 GW in 2024 and India’s goal to install 280 GW of solar by 2030. India added 25.3 GW of solar module capacity, 11.6 GW of cell capacity, and 2 GW of integrated wafer and ingot capacity in 2024, according to Mercom’s “State of Solar PV Manufacturing in India 2025.”
<a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/leading-solar-inverter-supplies-2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sungrow Power Supply, TBEA Energy India, Sineng Electric, FIMER India, and Ginlong (Solis) Technologies were the leading inverter suppliers</a> in India for the calendar year 2024, according to Mercom’s recently released India Solar Market Leaderboard 2025. Sungrow emerged as the leading solar inverter supplier, accounting for 29.1% of the market share. TBEA Energy India ranked second with 21.3%, followed by Sineng Electric at 13.3%. FIMER India and Ginlong (Solis) Technologies ranked fourth and fifth, accounting for 12.2% and 6% of the total market share, respectively.
<a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/top-robotic-solar-module-cleaning-equipment-suppliers-in-2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Taypro, Langfang Sol-Bright New Energy Technology, Airtouch Solar, Vayu Solar, and LEAPTING were the top five robotic solar module cleaning equipment suppliers</a> to the Indian solar market in 2024, according to Mercom’s recently released India Solar Market Leaderboard 2025 report. Taypro led the country’s shipments of robotic solar module cleaning equipment, accounting for 27.5%. Langfang Sol-Bright New Energy Technology and Airtouch Solar followed, accounting for 18.8% and 13%, respectively. Vayu Solar and LEAPTING rounded off the top five, with 11.1% and 9.8% market shares, respectively.
<a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/from-leader-to-lagging-keralas-net-metering-cap-proposal-threatens-growth" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The recent proposal from the Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission to limit net metering for rooftop solar systems up to 3 kW</a> is likely to slow down the rooftop solar installations in the state. According to the draft regulations, net metering will only be permitted for rooftop solar systems with a capacity between 3 kW and 5 kW, provided they include energy storage systems that account for up to 30% of the rooftop solar capacity.
<a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/no-ists-charges-waiver-solar-wind-june-2028" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The CERC issued a time frame for waiving ISTS charges for renewable energy, energy storage projects, green hydrogen, and green ammonia.</a> Renewable energy generation stations based on wind, solar, or hybrid sources are eligible for waivers based on their commissioning date. Projects commissioned on or before June 30, 2025, will receive a full waiver for 25 years. Projects commissioned in successive years up to June 30, 2028, will receive progressively lower waivers, reducing from 75% to 25%. Projects commissioned after June 30, 2028, are not eligible for a waiver.
<a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/cea-issues-draft-safety-guidelines-for-battery-energy-storage-systems" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Central Electricity Authority issued draft guidelines relating to the safety and electric supply of battery energy storage systems.</a> Stakeholders can submit their comments and suggestions by July 20, 2025. The chargers used for battery energy storage systems must be specifically designed to match the battery chemistry. The battery system must be built with two-fault tolerance, ensuring it can either continue safe operation or shut down safely even after two separate faults occur.
<a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/mnre-invites-proposals-to-promote-circularity-in-solar-and-battery-technologies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy invited proposals under the ‘Innovation Challenge for Circularity in Renewable Energy Technologies</a> – Batteries and Solar Photovoltaic.’ The challenge will focus on design and manufacturing innovations that promote circularity, facilitating easy dismantling and waste segregation, resource efficiency, the use of alternative materials, chemicals, and technologies for manufacturing, and the manufacture of products from recycled materials.
<a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/cpcb-issues-draft-guidelines-for-solar-waste-collection-and-storage" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) issued draft guidelines for the collection and storage of waste from solar modules and cells.</a> Stakeholders can submit comments and suggestions to CPCB by June 25, 2025. Solar waste refers to end-of-life solar modules or cells that are discarded whole or in part as waste. It includes rejects and waste generated during manufacturing, refurbishment, and repair processes.  It also covers solar modules that were damaged during transportation, handling, storage, and installation.

Month in a Minute: Top Headlines from the Indian Renewable Sector in June 2025

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					</table>The Central Pollution Control Board (<a href="https://cpcb.nic.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CPCB</a>) has issued draft guidelines for the collection and storage of waste from solar modules and cells.
Stakeholders can submit comments and suggestions to CPCB by June 25, 2025.
Solar waste refers to end-of-life solar modules or cells that are discarded whole or in part as waste. It includes rejects and waste generated during manufacturing, refurbishment, and repair processes.  It also covers solar modules that were damaged during transportation, handling, storage, and installation.
Under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, solar waste is categorized as electrical and electronic equipment waste. The rules place the onus of managing solar waste on the manufacturers of solar components. Manufacturers must store solar waste up to the end of the financial year 2035.
Collection
Manufacturers of solar cells and modules must devise a collection mechanism to collect waste from both individual and bulk consumers. They must publicize details about the collection points for solar waste or any take-back programs available.
Transportation of solar waste must be done in covered trucks and preferably in trucks authorized for the transportation of hazardous waste.
According to the CPCB, solar waste must not be disposed of or dumped in open areas, as it could release toxic chemicals into the environment. The solar waste must not be sold to unauthorised entities.
Storage
The solar waste must be stored safely to prevent breakage of the waste. It must be kept away from sharp objects that could damage the modules.
The storage facility must have at least 19.5 m3/ton of space.
Storage of solar waste must be carried out in a manner that allows for reuse after refurbishment, recycling, or recovery of materials.
The solar modules must be stored in a covered, dry, and ventilated area.
Storage racks or containers used for storing solar waste must be clearly labeled, indicating the type of waste they contain, to facilitate identification and sorting during recycling processes.
The stored solar waste must be periodically inspected and recorded to check for any damage.
The floor of the storage facility must be non-leachable, considering the leaching potentials of metals from solar waste such as antimony, cadmium, arsenic, lead, and selenium.
Solar modules that are part of solar waste must not be stacked in more than 20 layers or to a maximum height of 2 m above the ground.
The storage facility must be equipped with a fire protection system with adequate firefighting arrangements, an escape route for emergency exit, and an emergency response plan.
In December 2024, in response to a letter petition from a resident of Sapai village, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, the National Green Tribunal <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/green-tribunal-seeks-government-response-on-disposal-of-used-solar-modules" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sought</a> responses from multiple government agencies on a plea regarding the improper disposal and recycling of photovoltaic solar modules.
In May 2025, the Gujarat Energy Development Agency <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/gujarat-invites-eoi-for-study-on-material-recovery-from-solar-e-waste" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invited</a> expressions of interest for a research study to recover valuable materials from solar and electronic waste. The project aims to assess the feasibility of material recovery methods and develop an implementation roadmap to aid Gujarat’s renewable energy and waste management sectors.

CPCB Issues Draft Guidelines for Solar Waste Collection and Storage

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