GEDA invites consultants to develop a solar waste recycling research study and recovery methods
It will focus on recovering valuable materials like silicon, silver, copper, aluminum, CdTe, CIGS, and TOPCon components
The winner will also develop mechanical, chemical, and pyrometallurgical processes
The Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA) has invited expressions of interest (EOI) to conduct a research study on the recovery of valuable materials from solar waste/e-waste. The call is open to consultant firms or expert agencies who will be empaneled for the preparation of a feasibility report (FR) and research study.
The objective is to develop efficient recycling methods for solar panel waste to maximize material recovery to aid the state’s sustainability initiatives.
Selected firms will be responsible for conducting research to establish a mechanism for the recycling of solar waste, glass, copper, silver, and aluminum. GEDA will develop technologies to produce high-value recycled products from waste materials.
Research work will focus on the recovery of materials from various solar technologies, including thin-film like cadmium telluride (CdTe) and copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS), and silicon-based technologies, including polycrystalline and monocrystalline, as well as Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPCon).
The research will sample various solar panel waste types, focusing on both end-of-life panels and panels damaged during manufacturing, to refine extraction methods for valuable elements like silicon, silver and indium.
The winning consultant will compile findings to highlight the most effective recycling methods for different materials, and propose innovative strategies to enhance recovery rates and economic viability of solar waste recycling.
The work will also entail developing a recycling mechanism that covers mechanical separation, chemical processing, pyrometallurgical techniques, and advanced separation technologies that include solvent extraction.
GEDA expects the results to factor in the cost-effectiveness of different recycling methods, efficiency of new recycling technologies, and their environmental impact. The final work will also develop guidelines for solar waste recycling, comprising regulatory compliance and safety protocols.
The work needs to be completed within 11 months and submitted before February 28, 2026, according to the tender call launched on May 3, 2025. The last date to submit bids is May 23, 2025.
Gujarat is currently among the largest solar installing states in the country as it accounts for over 19 GW of total capacity as of April 30, 2025, next to Rajasthan, which leads with more than 28 GW. It pegs the state’s solar potential at 36 GW. The state anticipates a significant volume of end-of-life solar panels in the future. The GEDA tender trains its lens on this scenario to focus on solar waste management.