India has quickly become the world's third-largest solar power producer. Solar panels now power millions of homes and big solar parks. Solar energy provides over 20% of India’s electricity. But this rapid growth hides a big problem: solar panel waste. Solar panels last about 25 years. After that, they need proper recycling to avoid pollution. Currently, India has almost no big recycling facilities or plans for solar waste. Experts estimate 100,000 tonnes of solar waste by 2023, rising sharply to 600,000 tonnes by 2030. A report by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water says India could face more than 11 million tonnes of solar waste by 2047. Fixing this needs 300 recycling plants and $478 million in investments. Rohit Pahwa of Targray explains, “Most of India’s large solar parks were built in the mid-2010s, so the real wave of waste is coming in 10 to 15 years.” In 2022, India added solar panels to e-waste rules. Manufacturers must recycle old panels, but enforcement is weak, especially for small home systems. Damaged panels often end up in landfills or with unsafe recyclers, risking toxic pollution. Environment expert Sai Bhaskar Reddy Nakka warns, “Solar power gives an illusion of clean energy for two decades, but without a serious plan for recycling panels it risks leaving behind a graveyard of modules.” The good news? Recycling can recover valuable materials like glass, aluminium, silicon, silver, and copper. This could cut carbon emissions and supply materials for new panels. Experts urge India to build strong recycling laws, raise public awareness, and make solar companies responsible for panel waste. Without quick action, India’s clean energy success today could turn into a waste disaster tomorrow.