Malaviya solar energy and LuxChemtech partner for solar recycling

Malaviya Solar Energy Consultancy (MSEC)

has entered into an exclusive technology licensing agreement with Germany based LuxChemtech GmbH for patented solar panel recycling, marking a major step towards sustainable management of end-of-life solar modules in India. The partnership follows a Zero Waste concept and aims to build a true circular economy using a globally patented, eco-friendly process that ensures more than 98% recovery of valuable metals , significantly enhancing the value of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) certificates.

The licensed technology is built on the European Union-funded PHOTORAMA project (PHOtovoltaic waste management advanced Technologies for recOvery & recycling of secondary RAw MAterials), developed between 2021 and mid-2025 with a pilot recycling line at LuxChemtech’s facility in Germany. PHOTORAMA uses a multi-step industrial process to recycle old solar panels. Panels are mechanically dismantled, aluminium frames and junction boxes removed, and glass and solar cells separated. Polymer layers are delaminated using controlled thermal and mechanical treatment. The remaining materials then pass through a water-based and organic chemical process, where metals such as silver, copper and aluminium are selectively recovered. At the same time, silicon from the solar cells is purified and reclaimed, delivering a near zero-waste outcome .

LuxChemtech develops and manufactures high-tech recycling technologies and equipment for the recovery of silicon scrap and specialist waste, including photovoltaic modules, and its process is considered among the most advanced in the field, with proven pilot-scale success under the PHOTORAMA programme.

The partnership comes at a critical time for India’s renewable energy sector. India has set a target of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 , with solar power expected to account for up to 350 GWp . This expansion is projected to generate over 20 million tonnes of solar panel waste under normal conditions, including more than 10,000 tonnes of silver, 14.5 million tonnes of glass, 3.7 million tonnes of aluminium, 1 million tonnes of polymers, 0.5 million tonnes of pure silicon, 0.4 million tonnes of copper and around 8,000 tonnes of other precious metals. If panels retire earlier than their projected 20-year lifespan, the volume could rise by around 30% .

Under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change regulations issued in November 2022 , solar panels must be safely recycled and cannot be sent to landfills or informal recycling markets. Adoption of LuxChemtech’s PHOTORAMA-based technology will enable manufacturers and solar developers to comply with EPR obligations while maximising material recovery and environmental protection.

Malaviya Solar Energy Consultancy will work with glass and aluminium manufacturers, e-waste recyclers and technology start-ups in India to deploy the recycling technology at scale. The collaboration is expected to generate skilled employment, reduce dependence on imported raw materials and position India as a regional leader in solar circular economy solutions.

The partnership also strengthens Indo-German collaboration in clean technology. India gains access to advanced recycling know-how, while Germany benefits from technology transfer, market expansion and global scaling of its circular economy solutions.

Malaviya Solar Energy Consultancy, led by Jaideep N. Malaviya , has been active in consultancy, research and project development in the solar sector in India for decades. With this partnership, MSEC positions itself as a first mover in high-efficiency, eco-friendly solar panel recycling.