Solar energy’s not so clean side and what REDi is doing about it
At the end of last year, total global solar PV installation reached 109 GW. If you are not impressed, for reference, one GW of solar energy is equivalent to 3.125 million PV panels. This is fantastic for our planet right now, but what about in twenty or thirty years when all of those solar panels have to be replaced? That is an enormous number of solar panels that will be out of commission.
This is especially an issue because solar panels, while environmentally-friendly when operating, are quite hazardous after operation. Solar panels contain heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, and chromium, which can cause serious damage to the environment if not stored properly. In fact, solar panels produce 300 times more toxic waste per unit of energy than nuclear power plants. This creates a paradox of sorts. Although it is good that we are making more solar panels and increasing our renewable energy capacity to preserve the planet, more solar panels also means more solar waste in the future, which can pollute the planet. So what is the solution? It sounds funny, but the solution to this vicious cycle is to recycle. It seems so simple, right? Unfortunately, recycling solar panels is not so simple.
The difficulty with recycling solar panel materials lays in the way the materials are put together rather than the materials themselves. Due to there being so many kinds of pieces that make up a solar panel, separating those materials in order to properly recycle each part can be a complicated and expensive task.
However, the tremendous potential for this sector outweighs the obstacles that it faces. For one thing, there are groups working on solar panel recycling R&D projects in order to make recycling solar panels a more efficient and viable option for the public. Another thing is that solar panel recycling is a growing industry that is creating jobs to help the economy, as well as the environment. Furthermore, according to IRENA, approximately $15 billion worth of materials can be recovered from solar waste by 2050, showing that there is a financial benefit to long-term eco-friendly practices. While this is going on, it is important that everyday solar panel users also do their part to support the movement, and REDi can be used help them do that.
As mentioned earlier, there are solar panel recycling R&D activities taking place, however, it takes time to come up with an effective solution. One of the best ways to give these projects the time they need is to take proper care of the solar panels that are currently in operation so that they can stay in use for as long as possible. REDi makes this a simple and comprehensive task by providing the information and resources needed to help everyday solar power plant users maintain their plants. REDi also recognizes that there is a lack of regulation on end-of-life solar PV panels, so REDi wants to ensure that solar panels stay functioning as long as possible while this regulation is absent.
Like any other good in a market, solar PV panels have a shelf life, and once that shelf life is over, it has to be disposed of properly. It is just like the old saying goes: all good things must come to an end. Just like this blog post.
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