WITH the rapidly rising solar net-metering capacity, the number of damaged panels is estimated to be substantial. Yet, there is no system in place for their safe disposal. This represents a policy vacuum in our clean energy framework that needs to be addressed.

A recent research-based report has estimated that solarisation has already shifted Rs200 billion in grid costs onto non-solar users due to poor planning. Imagine what unmanaged solar waste will do to our environment and public health.

Europe is already ahead. The European Union’s Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive ensures that manufacturers take back and recycle panels. Pakistan, on the other hand, has no such circular plan. The matter cannot be ignored indefinitely.

Globally, panel recycling is a massive industry. We must address the issue by enriching local industries with the skills and infrastructure required to tackle this problem. As with plastic or electronic waste, failure to plan solar waste manage-ment will lead to environmental de-gradation and economic strain.

The government must mandate recycling obligations for importers, and establish safe waste collection zones. Without these, the solar boom could quickly become an environmental bust.

Clean energy has to be circular in all its dynamic. Or, else, it is not clean at all.

Amna Yaseen
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, August 11th, 2025