Malaviya Solar Energy Consultancy Signs Exclusive Deal With Germany’s LuxChemtech To Bring 98%-Recovery, Zero-Waste Solar Panel Recycling Technology To India

Malaviya Solar Energy Consultancy, Pune has signed an exclusive technology licensing agreement with LuxChemtech GmbH, Germany for its globally patented solar panel recycling technology. This collaboration is built on LuxChemtech’s zero-waste, fully eco-friendly process designed to support a true circular economy. The cutting-edge technology enables the recovery of more than 98% of metals from end-of-life solar panels, ensuring the highest value under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework. With solar waste projected to rise significantly in the coming years, such advanced recycling solutions provide immense value to manufacturers, recyclers, and policymakers working toward sustainable solar growth.

LuxChemtech is renowned for developing high-tech recycling technologies and equipment focused on recovering silicon scrap and other complex waste streams, including photovoltaic modules. Its patented process uses water and organic chemicals to safely and effectively separate the various materials, achieving recovery rates of up to 98%. This approach not only reduces environmental impact but also ensures that critical raw materials such as silicon, glass, silver, aluminium, and copper are reintegrated into the manufacturing cycle, minimizing resource depletion and waste.

The technology is rooted in advancements made through PHOTORAMA, an EU-funded project aimed at creating an advanced circular economy model for photovoltaic waste management. Running from 2021 to mid-2025, PHOTORAMA developed innovative methods for high-value material recovery from end-of-life panels. A key milestone of the project was the inauguration of a pilot recycling line at LuxChemtech’s facility in Germany, demonstrating the practical scalability and industrial viability of the technology. This progress strengthens confidence in the global commercialization of sustainable PV recycling systems.

India’s renewable energy roadmap makes this agreement particularly significant. The country has set an ambitious target of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030, with solar power expected to contribute as much as 350 GWp. This massive expansion will eventually result in up to 19 million tons of solar waste under normal scenarios, and potentially 35% more in cases of premature module retirement. As the volume of end-of-life PV panels rises, efficient and high-value recycling technologies will become essential to reducing environmental burden and recovering valuable resources.