Beyond Renewables Tackles Solar Waste Crisis

Beyond Renewables, a climate-tech startup focusing on sustainability, has successfully raised Rs 5 crore in a pre-seed funding round. This round was led by Momentum Capital, a venture capital firm based in the US, with additional contributions from Venture Catalysts, IIMA Ventures, Oorjan Cleantech, and Gautam Das. The newly acquired funds aim to enhance the development of its advanced recycling technology, improve the waste supply chain, and scale operations to combat India’s growing solar waste challenge.

Company Overview and Objective

Established in 2024 by co-founders Manhar Dixit and Vedant Taneja, Beyond Renewables is dedicated to creating a circular economy within the solar sector. By utilising its unique recycling technology, the startup successfully recycles decommissioned solar panels, recovering over 95% of valuable materials including high-purity glass, silicon, silver, copper, and aluminium.

The Challenge of Solar Waste in India

Research indicates that India’s rapid increase in solar energy usage could result in nearly 1.2 million tons of solar PV waste by the year 2040. This figure might soar to 4.8 million tons under a worst-case scenario. Beyond Renewables addresses this urgent problem through a combination of advanced thermal and chemical processes to extract pure aluminum, glass, silicon, copper, and precious metals like silver, turning hazardous waste into valuable, sustainably sourced minerals.

Strategic Partnerships and Expansion

Beyond Renewables has implemented a multi-channel strategy for waste sourcing. The company has formed partnerships with asset developers, EPCs, manufacturers, and dismantlers to ensure a steady supply of waste materials. Currently, they have over 2,000 metric tons of solar waste ready for processing and are actively expanding collaborations with module manufacturers, EPC contractors, and asset owners.

Support and Future Plans

Backed by IIT Mandi Catalyst and NSRCEL, Beyond Renewables is working on strengthening its sales channels and has already secured Letters of Intent (LOIs) from buyers interested in recycled glass, silicon, and other recovered materials. This proactive approach underscores the company’s commitment to a sustainable future.