MIT-WPU Scientists Pioneer Scalable Recycling Technology To Upcycle Solar PV Waste Into Sustainable Building Materials

Researchers at MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU) have developed and validated a scalable recycling process to address India’s growing solar photovoltaic (PV) waste problem, which is expected to reach nearly 200,000 tons by 2030 and 1.8 million tons by 2050. This pioneering initiative, supported by a research grant of INR 25 lakh from the Rajiv Gandhi Science & Technology Commission (RGSTC), Government of Maharashtra, aims to create a sustainable and circular solution for end-of-life solar panels.

Currently, most discarded solar panels in India are either stored or partially dismantled to recover aluminum frames and cables, while valuable materials such as silver (Ag), copper (Cu), tin (Sn), and lead (Pb) are lost due to the complexity of separating laminated, multi-layered components. Recognizing the environmental and economic impact of this challenge, the MIT-WPU research team, led by Dr. Sarita R. Zele, Professor of Research and Development, and Dr. Nivedita Gogate, Associate Professor of Civil Engineering, along with Dr. Deepti Marathe and Dr. Amrut Joshi, has designed a process that enables efficient material recovery and waste utilization.

The team, which includes students and researchers 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, focused on creating a method that not only extracts valuable metals from PV waste but also upcycles the remaining non-recoverable materials. These leftover materials can be converted into construction products such as bricks, blocks, and aggregates, thereby linking the renewable energy and construction sectors through an industrial symbiosis model.

This innovative approach offers multiple benefits. It prevents hazardous waste from entering landfills, reduces dependency on virgin raw materials, and supports the transition to a circular economy. Moreover, the research aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 9 and 11, which emphasize innovation-driven infrastructure and sustainable urban development.

Dr. Sarita R. Zele stated, “Solar energy is one of the key pillars of India’s clean energy transition, but solar panel waste is an emerging concern. Our research presents a sustainable way to recover valuable resources and repurpose waste into construction materials, ensuring that renewable energy remains truly green and environmentally responsible.”

Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Nivedita Gogate added, “Our innovation bridges the gap between renewable energy and construction, turning a waste management challenge into an opportunity. By fostering a circular economy, we not only reduce landfill pressure and conserve natural resources but also create a scalable model that can be replicated across India to make solar adoption more sustainable.”

Through this initiative, MIT-WPU is contributing to India’s vision of responsible and sustainable renewable energy growth, promoting research that not only solves pressing environmental issues but also drives economic and social impact.