| Form of studies |
Master |
| Title of the study programm |
Industrial Engineering and Management |
| Title in original language |
A model for sustainable disposal of solar photovoltaic modules in Sri Lanka |
| Title in English |
Saules fotoelementu moduļu ilgtspējīgās utilizēšanas modelis Šrilankā |
| Department |
22000 Faculty of Engineering Economics and Management |
| Scientific advisor |
Līga Rozentāle |
| Reviewer |
Regina Veckalne |
| Abstract |
This study was conducted to address a newly arising yet thoroughly understudied problem in the renewable energy scene of Sri Lanka. Lack of a methodical, sustainable way to handle end of life (EOL) solar photovoltaic (PV) waste. Therefore, it becomes more crucial to analyse the long term effects of general solar energy acceptance. Solar panels, although beneficial during their operational stage, have a typical lifespan of 25-30 years. Once their life ends, they join a complicated and dangerous waste stream that consists of heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and rare earth minerals like aluminium, silicon, and silver. This can result in major problems for public health as well as groundwater and soil contamination. According to SLSEA data, the rooftop PV capacity has grown significantly since 2013, with an expected surge in decommissioned panels beginning around 2038. This study aims to forecast the cumulative volume of rooftop solar PV waste in Sri Lanka between 2038 and 2048 by analyzing historical installation data and applying a technical estimation model. Then identify the most feasible circular economy (CE) principles based on waste management strategies from the global context and adapting them to Sri Lanka’s institutional, technical and economical context. Also compare traditional disposal practices with CE principles based alternatives to demonstrate long term viability. Finally, this research aims to provide a scientifically grounded framework that policymakers, regulators and investors can use to plan for resource efficient, economically viable and environmentally sound future to Sri Lanka’s solar energy sector. This research supports the initial theory that, when early rooftop installations reach their EOL Sri Lanka is on pace to see a significant wave of solar PV waste beginning about 2038. Between 2038 and 2048, the waste forecasting model revealed a clear rise in decommissioned panels. This emphasizes how urgently a coordinated EOL waste management system is needed. The MCA findings underlined the most feasible plans for Sri Lanka. These methods directly relate with environmental and social objectives and balance technological and financial viability. Furthermore, the suggested CBA based on NPV analysis assesses many approaches that might over time beat traditional landfill methods in terms of greater economic returns, resource recovery, and environmental preservation. This confirms how well circularity is included in national waste planning for PV modules. |
| Keywords |
Circular Economy, End-of-Life (EOL) Solar Panels, Solar PV Waste Management, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), Sri Lanka, Panel Repurposing, Manual Dismantling, Mechanical Recycling, Solar Waste Policy, Sustainable Energy, Rooftop Solar Forecast, Resource Recovery, Waste Reduction, Lifecycle Management, Photovoltaic Modules, Environmental Impact, Solar Panel Reuse, Green Economy, Regulatory Framework, Conceptual Framework, Multi Criteria Analysis (MCA), Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA), NPV |
| Keywords in English |
Circular Economy, End-of-Life (EOL) Solar Panels, Solar PV Waste Management, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), Sri Lanka, Panel Repurposing, Manual Dismantling, Mechanical Recycling, Solar Waste Policy, Sustainable Energy, Rooftop Solar Forecast, Resource Recovery, Waste Reduction, Lifecycle Management, Photovoltaic Modules, Environmental Impact, Solar Panel Reuse, Green Economy, Regulatory Framework, Conceptual Framework, Multi Criteria Analysis (MCA), Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA), NPV |
| Language |
eng |
| Year |
2025 |
| Date and time of uploading |
28.05.2025 13:47:30 |
