MIT-WPU to Develop Scalable Solar PV Waste Recycling Technology, Secures INR 25 Lakh Grant

With India’s solar photovoltaic (PV) waste projected to touch nearly 200,000 tons by 2030 and a staggering 1.8 million tons by 2050, researchers at MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU) in Pune, have unveiled a pioneering recycling process to address this challenge.

Backed by INR 25 lakh research grant from the Rajiv Gandhi Science & Technology Commission (RGSTC), Government of Maharashtra, the team has developed a scalable method to recover valuable resources and upcycle waste into useful construction products.

Currently, most discarded panels are either stored or dismantled for aluminum and cables, while critical materials such as silver, copper, tin, and lead are lost due to the complex laminated structure of solar panels. The MIT-WPU team’s process tackles this gap by enabling recovery of precious elements while transforming non-recoverable fractions into bricks, blocks, and aggregates. This dual strategy both reduces landfill waste and cuts dependence on virgin raw materials, promoting a circular economy between the renewable energy and construction sectors.

Leading the initiative are Dr. Sarita R. Zele (Professor, Research and Development), Dr. Nivedita Gogate (Associate Professor, Civil Engineering), Dr. Deepti Marathe, and Dr. Amrut Joshi, supported by a team of student researchers.

“Solar energy is one of the pillars of India’s clean energy transition, but solar panel waste is an emerging concern,” said Dr. Sarita Zele. “Our research ensures renewable energy remains truly green by recovering valuable resources and turning waste into construction materials," said Zele.

Dr. Nivedita Gogate added, “This innovation creates industrial symbiosis between renewable energy and construction. By reducing landfill burden and conserving raw materials, the model can be scaled across India to make solar adoption more sustainable.”

The initiative directly supports India’s clean energy commitments and advances UN Sustainable Development Goals 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

As India accelerates its renewable energy journey, MIT-WPU’s breakthrough ensures the infrastructure powering the future does not become tomorrow’s environmental burden.