India's Solar Boom: A Bright Future with a Shadow Looming
India's love affair with solar energy is no secret. As the world's second-most populous nation strives for energy security and a cleaner future, solar power has emerged as a shining beacon. However, with this rapid growth comes a hidden challenge - solar waste. A recent study by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) predicts a staggering 340 kilotonnes (kt) of solar waste by 2030, posing a significant environmental and economic threat. Let's unpack this issue and explore ways to navigate the sunny path towards a sustainable future. Understanding Solar Waste Solar panels, the workhorses of solar energy generation, have a lifespan of around 25-30 years. While incredibly efficient at converting sunlight into electricity, they eventually reach their end-of-life. This is where solar waste comes in. These panels, made from glass, metal frames, and silicon wafers, can't simply be thrown away. They contain valuable materials like silicon, silver, and tellurium, b...