The Government of India is preparing a national Solar Panel Recycling & E-Waste Traceability System (SPRTS-2026) to manage the rising volume of end-of-life solar panels, inverters, and batteries. Officials involved in the internal discussions told SolSetu that the system aims to introduce a formal, traceable framework for collection, recycling, and safe disposal of rooftop solar components.

With rooftop solar adoption increasing under various national programs, India is expected to generate significant volumes of photovoltaic waste in the coming decade. A structured system is now considered essential to prevent environmental harm.

Why India Needs SPRTS-2026

Industry studies and environmental audits have revealed several emerging challenges:

• Old solar panels being dumped in landfills
• Informal scrap dealers handling toxic materials unsafely
• Reverse logistics for solar e-waste lacking organization
• Lack of traceability for dismantled or damaged panels
• No national database for end-of-life solar components

The proposed SPRTS-2026 will tackle these issues with a formal recycling ecosystem.

Key Features Under Review

The national traceability system may include:

• Unique Panel ID linked to manufacturing batch & installation details
• Digital recycling certificates for consumers
• Reverse-logistics tracking from rooftop to recycler
• Authorized recycler network with compliance ratings
• E-waste tracking dashboard showing disposal status
• AI-based identification for damaged or cracked panels
• Mandatory recycling for utility-scale & rooftop systems

The system will likely integrate with solar subsidy portals and DISCOM approval systems.

Benefits for Consumers & Environment

SPRTS-2026 will help India:

• Reduce environmental risk from toxic solar waste
• Ensure safe disposal of panels, inverters & batteries
• Promote recycling-based job creation
• Encourage manufacturers to adopt circular-economy practices
• Provide consumers with traceable disposal certification

The system is expected to be a major milestone in India’s sustainable energy transition.

Rollout Expected in 2026

Pilot implementation may begin in:

• Maharashtra
• Gujarat
• Rajasthan
• Tamil Nadu
• Delhi NCR

A nationwide roll-out may follow later in the year as authorized recycling partners onboard.

SolSetu will continue sharing updates as SPRTS-2026 moves toward final approval.