India's solar boom faces a hidden waste problem
Published: 12/25/2025

India's solar boom faces a hidden waste problem without proper management in place despite the country becoming a leading solar producer globally. With millions of solar panels installed, India is set to see a surge in waste by 2030, raising environmental concerns from toxic metals like lead and cadmium. Lack of recycling infrastructure and investment may lead to a solar waste crisis, with experts estimating over 11 million tonnes of solar waste by 2047 and recommending nearly 300 recycling facilities and a significant investment over the next two decades to effectively manage the waste.



