The Rise of Battery waste solar panel:

A significant concern is rising for the future with the increasing volume of solar panels and batteries entering the e-waste stream. As countries shift towards renewable energy sources, the disposal of solar panels which typically have a lifespan of 25-30 years, is being a pressing issue.  India has incorporated solar waste management into its E-Waste Management Rules, requiring manufacturers to recover useful materials from solar waste and adhere to guidelines set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This regulatory framework aims to promote recycling and responsible disposal of both solar panels and batteries.

1. Lithium-Ion Batteries:
   • These batteries are preferred due to their higher energy density, longer lifespan (up to several thousand cycles), and greater efficiency (around 95% round-trip efficiency). They can store energy generated during the day and release it when needed, making them ideal for solar power systems.
2. Lead-Acid Batteries:
   • This traditional option includes both flooded and sealed types. While they are lower in cost, they have a shorter lifespan (200-1000 cycles) and lower efficiency compared to lithium-ion batteries. Lead-acid batteries are still widely used due to their availability and lower initial investment.

Country is facing a significant challenge with battery waste, generating approximately 150,000 tonnes annually, primarily from lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. The newly implemented Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022, is emphasizing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), requiring producers to ensure proper collection and recycling.

E waste Exposure:

E-waste is exposed to the environment through various hazardous practices, including scavenging, dumping in landfills or water bodies, and open burning, which release toxic substances into air, soil, and water. Informal recycling methods such as acid leaching and manual disassembly further exacerbate pollution, as they often lack safety measures, leading to significant health risks for workers and surrounding communities. These unsound practices contribute to widespread contamination from heavy metals and other hazardous chemicals, posing serious environmental and public health challenges.

Solar and battery waste comprises various materials, each contributing to its overall composition. In solar waste, approximately 75% is glass, followed by 10% silicon,  of the total weight of panel, which is primarily sourced from crystalline silicon panels. Valuable components include 12 to 18 tonnes of silver and around 16 tonnes of cadmium and tellurium, mainly found in cadmium telluride (CdTe) panels from the projected data. A significant amount of aluminum and copper are present from the frames and wiring. In battery waste, common materials include lead, which constitutes a large portion of lead-acid batteries, while lithium is increasingly found in lithium-ion batteries. Nickel and cobalt are also prevalent in various rechargeable batteries, contributing further to the waste composition.