India’s rapid rise as a global solar power leader has been widely celebrated as a major step towards cleaner energy and reduced dependence on fossil fuels. Over the past decade, the country has emerged as the world’s third-largest producer of solar energy, with renewable sources now forming the backbone of its climate strategy. From sprawling solar parks in arid regions to rooftop installations in cities and villages, solar panels have become a common sight across the country. However, as capacity expands at breakneck speed, concerns are mounting over a less visible consequence of this transition — the growing burden of solar waste.
Government data show that nearly 2.4 million households have adopted rooftop solar systems under subsidy schemes, while large-scale solar parks continue to expand nationwide. This expansion has helped curb India’s dependence on coal, even though thermal power still accounts for more than half of the country’s installed capacity. Solar energy alone now contributes over 20%, marking a significant shift in India’s energy mix. Yet experts caution that while solar power is clean during operation, its environmental footprint does not end when panels stop generating electricity.
Solar panels typically have a lifespan of around 25 years. Once they reach the end of their operational life, they must be dismantled and disposed of. Although most components — including glass, aluminium and certain metals — are recyclable, panels also contain small amounts of hazardous substances such as lead and cadmium. If improperly handled, these can contaminate soil and groundwater.
At present, India lacks a comprehensive system to deal with this emerging challenge. There is no dedicated budget for solar waste management, and only a handful of small-scale recycling units exist across the country. Official data on solar waste is also unavailable. However, estimates suggest that India had already generated nearly 100,000 tonnes of solar waste by 2023, a figure projected to rise to 600,000 tonnes by 2030. Looking further ahead, a study by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) estimates that solar waste could exceed 11 million tonnes by 2047.
Managing such volumes would require nearly 300 specialised recycling plants and investments of close to $478 million over the next two decades. Experts warn that most of India’s large solar parks were commissioned in the mid-2010s, meaning the bulk of discarded panels will begin accumulating within the next 10 to 15 years.
Globally, India’s challenge mirrors trends seen in other major solar markets. The United States is expected to generate between 170,000 and one million tonnes of solar waste by 2030, while China could produce close to one million tonnes over the same period. However, regulatory frameworks differ widely. While the US relies largely on market-driven recycling policies and China is still developing its system, India brought solar panels under its e-waste rules in 2022, making manufacturers responsible for collection and recycling.
Despite this, enforcement remains weak, particularly for rooftop installations that account for 5–10% of capacity. These systems are harder to track, and damaged panels often end up in landfills or with informal recyclers using unsafe methods. Experts warn this could negate many of the environmental benefits of solar energy.
Environmental analysts say the challenge also presents an opportunity. With proper investment, recycling could recover valuable materials such as silicon, silver and copper, reducing the need for fresh mining and cutting carbon emissions. According to estimates, efficient recycling could reclaim nearly 40% of materials used in panels by 2047.
However, most recycling in India currently focuses only on low-value components like glass and aluminium, while precious metals are largely lost. Experts argue that the coming decade will be crucial in determining whether India builds a sustainable solar ecosystem or inherits a massive waste problem.
Without strong policy enforcement, industry accountability and public awareness, clean energy today could become an environmental burden tomorrow. As experts warn, India’s solar success story will remain incomplete unless equal attention is given to what happens when the panels stop working.
