Solar Scrap Recycling: The waste generated from solar energy or solar panels is going to spit out silver in the coming future. After 20 years, not only silver but also metals like copper, silicon and aluminum will be extracted from the damaged or unused solar panels which will not only be reused but their market will reach Rs 3,700 crore in the year 2047. This information has come out from two new independent studies of the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW).
These studies show that if this estimated potential turns into reality, many precious metals will be extracted from solar waste. With which 38 percent of the manufacturing needs of this region can be met by 2047. Additionally, by reusing these materials instead of new materials, 37 million tons of carbon emissions can also be saved. In such a situation, it is going to give double benefit. However, India’s solar module recycling market is still in its nascent stage, with few commercial recyclers operating.
how much garbage will come out
Both CEEW studies provide India’s first comprehensive roadmap for building a domestic solar recycling ecosystem that supports both clean energy and manufacturing self-reliance. It is estimated that by 2047, India’s installed solar capacity could generate more than 11 million tonnes of solar waste, the majority of which will be from crystalline-silicon modules. For its management, about 300 recycling plants across the country and an investment of Rs 4,200 crore will be required.
CEEW Fellow Rishabh Jain Says, ‘India’s solar revolution could power a new green industrial opportunity. By incorporating circularity into our clean energy systems, we can recover critical minerals, strengthen supply chains, and create green jobs, all while turning potential waste into sustainable value. Building this circular economy is very important for India’s resilient and responsible development.
The CEEW study also points out that a formal system for recycling solar panels is still necessary as recyclers are facing losses of Rs 10,000-12,000 per tonne. One of the major operating expenses is the repurchase of discarded solar modules, which accounts for about two-thirds of the total expense (about Rs 600 per panel (followed by the costs of processing, collection) and disposal. To make solar panel recycling profitable, the price of damaged modules should be below Rs 330, or recyclers should be supported through EPR certificate trading, tax relief and R&D investment for efficient recovery of silicon and silver.
There itself Program Lead Akanksha Tyagi She says, ‘Solar recycling can become a bridge between India’s clean energy and manufacturing ambitions. Beyond waste management, it also provides opportunities for innovation by designing suitable panels for easier material extraction, improving material purity and creating new value chains for critical minerals. “Measures such as introducing EPR targets, creating demand for circular products, improving data transparency and designing products with recycling in mind can turn India’s solar waste challenge into a green industry opportunity.”
This will be a big step in making India self-reliant
To scale up recycling, CEEW studies suggest bringing EPR targets for collection and recovery under the E-waste (Management) Rules, 2022, led by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and creating a Circular Solar Taskforce under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy for uniformity in policy, finance and industry action. It also suggests creating a centralized solar inventory to detect waste hotspots and urges manufacturers to share material data and produce easily recyclable modules. Together, these steps will create a robust collection system, promote R&D in material recovery, and integrate circularity into India’s renewable energy missions, so that the clean energy transition remains resource-resilient and self-reliant.
