MIT-WPU Researchers Develop Scalable Solar PV Waste Recycling Process
The research team has received a grant of INR 25 lakh from the Rajiv Gandhi Science & Technology Commission (RGSTC), Government of Maharashtra, to advance the project. The innovative solution supports India’s sustainability goals by enabling efficient recovery and reuse of materials from end-of-life solar panels, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) through its focus on circular economy and greener urban development.
At present, most discarded panels are either stored or partially dismantled for aluminum and cables, while valuable materials such as silver (Ag), copper (Cu), tin (Sn), and lead (Pb) are lost due to the difficulty of separating laminated, multi-layered structures. Recognizing this challenge, Dr. Sarita R. Zele, Professor, Research and Development, Dr. Nivedita Gogate, Associate Professor, Civil Engineering, along with Dr. Deepti Marathe and Dr. Amrut Joshi, are leading this initiative at MIT-WPU. Contributing to this research are 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 not only enables recovery of valuable materials from end-of-life solar panels but also upcycles non-recoverable fractions into construction materials such as bricks, blocks, and aggregates. This dual approach prevents hazardous waste from entering landfills while reducing dependence on virgin raw materials, fostering a circular economy between the renewable energy and construction sectors.
Dr. Sarita R. Zele, Professor, Research and Development, MIT-WPU said, “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.”
Dr. Nivedita Gogate, Associate Professor, Civil Engineering, MIT-WPU said, “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.”
Published on:
07 October 2025
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