Understanding EPR for Solar PV Under E-Waste Rules

Solar panels do not last forever. As India's first large wave of installations begins to age, the question of what happens to end-of-life panels has become a regulatory priority, and that is exactly where Extended Producer Responsibility comes in.

What is EPR?

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is the principle that a producer is responsible for the environmentally sound management of a product right up to the end of its life. It is rooted in the polluter-pays idea: the businesses that put a product on the market carry the responsibility for managing the waste it eventually becomes. The intent is to encourage better product design and proper recycling rather than leaving disposal costs to society.

How solar PV came under the E-Waste Rules

The E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, which came into force on 1 April 2023, brought solar photovoltaic modules, panels, and cells within the e-waste framework. This was a significant shift: solar equipment is now treated as a regulated waste stream with formal producer obligations, managed through a system operated by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Who counts as a "producer"?

The obligations reach across the supply chain. EPR generally applies to businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, or selling solar PV modules or panels in India. Manufacturers, producers, refurbishers, and recyclers are all expected to register and participate in the system.

Core obligations for producers

• Register on the CPCB portal as a producer and obtain EPR registration.
• Channel waste responsibly, routing it only through registered dismantlers and recyclers.
• Store and process PV waste – producers of PV modules, panels, or cells are required to store the waste generated up to the 2034–2035 period and ensure its processing.
• Meet targets and file returns in line with the assigned obligations and reporting requirements.
• Renew on time – registration must be renewed ahead of expiry to stay compliant.

On the other side of the chain, recyclers of PV modules, panels, or cells are mandated to recover certain specified materials, closing the loop on valuable resources contained in old panels.

The scale of what is coming

This is not a small or theoretical issue. India's solar PV waste is projected to grow substantially, reaching an estimated 600,000 tonnes by 2040. Building the registration, tracking, and recycling systems now is what allows that volume to be handled responsibly rather than ending up in landfills.

Why EPR compliance matters for your business

• Legal obligation – producers within scope are required to register and comply.
• Reputation – demonstrable environmental responsibility increasingly influences buyers and partners.
• Circular economy – recovering materials from old panels reduces waste and supports resource efficiency.
• Future readiness – getting systems in place early avoids a scramble as waste volumes rise.

This article is general information for solar businesses and is not legal or regulatory advice. EPR obligations, targets, and timelines under the E-Waste Rules are periodically revised. Always verify current requirements against official CPCB notifications, or consult a qualified advisor before acting.