ABSTRACT
With the increasing population density, energy requirements have heightened drastically, and it was fulfilled by renewable energy technology. In this, solar photovoltaic technology proved as the main contributing factor. Solar photovoltaic installations in India started from late 1993. It further hiked exponentially from early 2010 to 2018. Till December 2019, total solar installations were reported to 33.730 GW. This chapter pertains to the state-wise installations of solar photovoltaic systems in the country. At the end life cycle, solar photovoltaic modules will bring damaging effects on the ecosystem; however, these effects can be curtailed by persuading 144towards recycling methods. A feasibility analysis is carried out on the recycled products so as to bring out their utilization in various aspects. The recovery product can be further utilized for applications like making window frames of Aluminum parts, using copper wires for new connections, making decorative items of silicon panels, also utilizing the solar panels for making the buildings, tables, cupboards, and toys working under low voltage requirements. The damaged solar panels can be used in making monuments and dustbins for public use. The panels can be used for making vehicle’s body, and travel bags and also can be utilized for making roads after the removal of harmful elements from the used and damaged solar panels. Recovery product of recycling is analyzed quantitatively so as to know the payback of recycling procedures. Existing recycling methods of solar photovoltaic technology are assessed and their environmental impacts are studied. Landfilling option is also taken under consideration, but due to lower economic value, it cannot be taken forward on a commercial scale. The chapter lays emphasis upon the environmental impact of the solar photovoltaic technology along with their recycling economic analysis. Recycling came out to be less burdensome than landfilling procedure. Value can be made from the damaged and decommissioned solar panels. Further recycling brought out the environmental benefits in terms of human toxicity potential, global warming potential, abiotic resource depletion potential, acidification potential, etc. Solar waste disposal, it’s handling, and coordination of the economy make recycling a real phenomenon.
