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Solar Photovoltaic Module End-of-Life Waste Management Regulations: International Practices and Implications for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Author

Listed:
  • Amjad Ali

    (Interdisciplinary Research Center for Sustainable Energy System (IRC-SES), King Fahad University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia)

  • Md Tasbirul Islam

    (Interdisciplinary Research Center for Sustainable Energy System (IRC-SES), King Fahad University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia)

  • Shafiqur Rehman

    (Interdisciplinary Research Center for Sustainable Energy System (IRC-SES), King Fahad University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia)

  • Sikandar Abdul Qadir

    (Interdisciplinary Research Center for Sustainable Energy System (IRC-SES), King Fahad University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia)

  • Muhammad Shahid

    (Interdisciplinary Research Center for Sustainable Energy System (IRC-SES), King Fahad University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia)

  • Muhammad Waseem Khan

    (Interdisciplinary Research Center for Sustainable Energy System (IRC-SES), King Fahad University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia)

  • Md. Hasan Zahir

    (Interdisciplinary Research Center for Sustainable Energy System (IRC-SES), King Fahad University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia)

  • Asif Islam

    (Interdisciplinary Research Center for Sustainable Energy System (IRC-SES), King Fahad University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia)

  • Muhammad Khalid

    (Interdisciplinary Research Center for Sustainable Energy System (IRC-SES), King Fahad University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia
    Electrical Engineering Department, King Fahad University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia)

Abstract

This paper examines the end-of-life (EOL) waste management regulations and guidelines of five leading countries—China, USA, India, Japan, and Germany—to identify best practices and lessons that can enhance Saudi Arabia’s EOL waste management strategies. The study delves into China’s regulatory framework, highlighting its import bans on certain wastes, the USA’s manufacturer responsibility requirements for product disposal, India’s engagement of the informal sector in waste collection and recycling, Japan’s take-back system mandating manufacturer responsibility for product recovery and recycling, and Germany’s advanced system promoting the separate collection of EOL products and stringent hazardous waste regulations. By evaluating these diverse regulatory approaches and integrating insights from recent literature, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive perspective to assist Saudi Arabia in developing an effective EOL waste management system. Given the current state and deployment of solar PV systems in Saudi Arabia, the generation of PV solar panel waste is currently minimal. However, future projections indicate a significant increase, and it is worrisome that the KSA currently lacks the necessary systems and infrastructure to handle this waste effectively. To address this challenge sustainably, it is essential to introduce and implement an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy, develop robust recycling infrastructure, enhance public awareness and education, and foster public–private partnerships. These measures will provide a strong foundation for managing end-of-life PV solar panel waste in Saudi Arabia. Such a system would ensure environmental protection, public health, and economic growth. Moreover, the research findings could serve as a valuable resource for other countries seeking to improve their EOL waste management practices. This study underscores the importance of learning from successful international waste management practices to enhance EOL waste management systems globally.

Suggested Citation

  • Amjad Ali & Md Tasbirul Islam & Shafiqur Rehman & Sikandar Abdul Qadir & Muhammad Shahid & Muhammad Waseem Khan & Md. Hasan Zahir & Asif Islam & Muhammad Khalid, 2024. "Solar Photovoltaic Module End-of-Life Waste Management Regulations: International Practices and Implications for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(16), pages 1-37, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:16:p:7215-:d:1461551
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Majewski, Peter & Al-shammari, Weam & Dudley, Michael & Jit, Joytishna & Lee, Sang-Heon & Myoung-Kug, Kim & Sung-Jim, Kim, 2021. "Recycling of solar PV panels- product stewardship and regulatory approaches," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 149(C).
    2. Amjad Ali, 2023. "Transforming Saudi Arabia’s Energy Landscape towards a Sustainable Future: Progress of Solar Photovoltaic Energy Deployment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-21, May.
    3. Hui Fang Yu & Md. Hasanuzzaman & Nasrudin Abd Rahim & Norridah Amin & Noriah Nor Adzman, 2022. "Global Challenges and Prospects of Photovoltaic Materials Disposal and Recycling: A Comprehensive Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-41, July.
    4. Gautam, Ayush & Shankar, Ravi & Vrat, Prem, 2022. "Managing end-of-life solar photovoltaic e-waste in India: A circular economy approach," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 142(C), pages 287-300.
    5. Popescu, Gheorghe H. & Mieila, Mihai & Nica, Elvira & Andrei, Jean Vasile, 2018. "The emergence of the effects and determinants of the energy paradigm changes on European Union economy," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 81(P1), pages 768-774.
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    1. Vladislav Poulek & Vaclav Beranek & Martin Kozelka & Tomas Finsterle, 2025. "Environmentally Sustainable Recycling of Photovoltaic Panels Laminated with Soft Polysiloxane Gels: Promoting the Circular Economy and Reducing the Carbon Footprint," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-12, September.
    2. Le Quyen Luu & Thanh Quang Nguyen & Soroush Khakpour & Maurizio Cellura & Francesco Nocera & Nam Hoai Nguyen & Ngoc Han Bui, 2025. "Material Demand and Contributions of Solar PV End-of-Life Management to the Circular Economy: The Case of Italy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-25, July.
    3. Pradeep Padhamnath, 2025. "Recent Progress in the Recovery and Recycling of Polymers from End-of-Life Silicon PV Modules," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-34, May.
    4. Ana-María Diez-Suarez & Marta Martínez-Benavides & Cristina Manteca Donado & Jorge-Juan Blanes-Peiró & Elia Judith Martínez Torres, 2024. "Recycling of Silicon-Based Photovoltaic Modules: Mediterranean Region Insight," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(23), pages 1-44, November.

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