Exploring the Solar Photovoltaic Ecosystem for Circular Economy Transition: The Case of Sri Lanka

Purpose
While solar photovoltaic (PV) systems contribute to low-carbon energy transitions, they operate on a linear "take-make-use-dispose" model that creates environmental challenges across their lifecycle. Adopting a circular lifecycle approach enable to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions from its components. This study explores the complexities of the solar PV ecosystem in Sri Lanka towards enabling transition to a circular lifecycle model.

Methodology
The study used a qualitative survey involving 79 solar providers, selected using Cochran’s formula, from the list of companies registered with the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SEA). The top management of these companies including chief executive officers, managing directors, directors, and proprietors were interviewed to examine the solar PV supply chain components, lifecycle stages, and stakeholders involved by analysing the views using thematic and descriptive analysis.

Findings
The analysis reveals that the solar PV ecosystem in Sri Lanka reflects a structurally, dynamically, and socio-politically complex system with diverse components, rapid technological change, long lifespans, global supply chain reliance, maintenance and manufacturing challenges, limited end-of-life solutions, and multistakeholder interactions. Fragmented supply chains, limited repair and recycling infrastructure, and coordination challenges impede circularity, while skilled labour, emerging recycling efforts, and informal repurposing provide opportunities to improve environmental performance.

Originality
This pioneering research analyses the complexities of solar PV systems and provides a roadmap for circular economy implementation, offering practical guidance for stakeholders and policymakers to enhance long-term sustainability of solar energy.