MIT-WPU Researchers Pioneer Scalable Solar PV Waste Recycling Process with ₹25 Lakh Grant from Maharashtra’s RGSTC – Indian PSU
With solar photovoltaic (PV) waste in India projected to reach nearly 200,000 tonnes by 2030 and 1.8 million tonnes by 2050, researchers at MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU) have developed and validated a scalable solar PV waste recycling process through laboratory trials and industry collaborations. The project has received a Research Grant of ₹25 lakh from the Rajiv Gandhi Science & Technology Commission (RGSTC), Government of Maharashtra, to advance this pioneering work.
This innovative solution not only addresses India’s growing PV waste challenge but also supports UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities, by promoting circular industrial practices and greener urban development.
Currently, most discarded solar panels in India are either stored or dismantled only for basic components like aluminum and cables, leaving behind valuable materials such as silver (Ag), copper (Cu), tin (Sn), and lead (Pb) — often lost due to the complex, laminated structure of solar modules. Recognizing this challenge, Dr. Sarita R. Zele (Professor, Research and Development), Dr. Nivedita Gogate (Associate Professor, Civil Engineering), Dr. Deepti Marathe, and Dr. Amrut Joshi are leading this initiative at MIT-WPU.
They are supported by a dynamic research team including Amar Shitole, Omkar Gajare, Neha Jadhav, Veda Shewalkar, Atharv Jagdale, Pranali Dhiware, Sameer Thamke, Anjali Gabhane, Sumit Dafe, Avanti Gulhane, Dhanashree Langhi, Ruturaj Jadhav, Ameya Bakal, and Chirag Sonawane.
The solution enables recovery of valuable materials from end-of-life solar panels, while upcycling non-recoverable fractions into construction materials such as bricks, blocks, and aggregates. This dual benefit prevents hazardous waste from entering landfills and simultaneously reduces dependence on virgin raw materials—fostering a circular economy between the renewable energy and construction sectors.
“Solar energy is one of the pillars of India’s clean energy transition, but its by-product – solar panel waste – is a growing concern. Our research provides a sustainable solution that not only recovers valuable resources but also converts waste into useful construction products. This ensures that renewable energy continues to be truly green and environmentally responsible,” said Dr. Sarita R. Zele, Professor, Research and Development, MIT-WPU.
“Our innovation bridges renewable energy and construction, turning a waste challenge into an opportunity. By creating an industrial symbiosis, we reduce landfill burden, conserve virgin raw materials, and promote a circular economy. We believe this model can be scaled across India to make solar adoption more sustainable,” added Dr. Nivedita Gogate, Associate Professor, Civil Engineering, MIT-WPU.
As India continues to accelerate its solar energy adoption under national clean energy commitments, MIT-WPU’s pioneering research ensures that today’s renewable energy infrastructure does not become tomorrow’s environmental burden.
