Dr. Vivek Bhore, a highly accomplished individual with two doctorates in Solar Thermal Energy and Solar PV Energy, has found innovative ways to reuse discarded solar panels. Upon visiting his office, one immediately notices that the tabletop in front of his chair is unique—it is made from a discarded solar panel. Dr. Bhore highlights the various potential uses for discarded solar panels, such as compartment walls, roof sheets for cooling effects, cantilevers, parking sheds, and even low-cost housing projects. He emphasizes the need for a government policy promoting the 100% reutilization of solar panels to address the issue of disposal.

As a certified energy auditor and a Chartered Engineer with a boiler proficiency certificate, Dr. Bhore suggests that commercial buildings should be mandated to use discarded solar panels for at least 10% of the materials used, without the need for processing. Processing discarded panels requires energy and only allows for the recovery of a small percentage of valuable materials such as silver and copper. Moreover, the recovery process itself generates waste. Dr. Bhore argues that reutilization offers better prospects, both economically and environmentally.

According to Dr. Bhore's calculations, the cost of reusing a 3x5 feet solar panel as a tabletop is only Rs 600, whereas a glass tabletop of the same size may cost Rs 2,000. After 25 years of use, a solar panel cannot be repaired or refurbished and must be discarded, with salvage value amounting to only 10% of the original cost (Rs 6,000). Dr. Bhore believes that exploring reutilization options and implementing a well-thought-out policy can enable discarded solar panels to contribute to a circular economy.

Dr. Bhore suggests that, to adhere to the National Building Code, which allows a maximum of 40% open space in Nagpur, solar panels should be used to cover the remaining 60% instead of glass. This is because glass increases heat gain, leading to higher energy consumption from increased air conditioner usage. By using solar panels instead of glass, energy consumption can be reduced to some extent, offering an effective solution to enhance energy efficiency.

 Dr. Vivek Bhore's innovative approach to reusing discarded solar panels demonstrates the potential for these panels to contribute to sustainable practices. With a well-defined government policy promoting reutilization, solar panels can find new life in various applications, contributing to a circular economy and reducing waste. Dr. Bhore's advocacy for the use of solar panels instead of glass in building construction highlights the importance of energy efficiency and the positive impact it can have on reducing energy consumption.