Millions of solar panels are being installed around the world to make progress towards a clean energy transition. Solar panels have an advantage over fossil fuels in that they do not produce greenhouse gas emissions when generating electricity. However, significant problems arise from the current lack of recycling options for waste solar panels. The direct disposal of solar panels is a problem not only because it does not recover valuable resources, but also because the disposal of solar panels puts great pressure on waste management systems due to the hazardous nature of the panel components. .
Recycling of solar PV panels
Millions of solar panels are being installed around the world to make progress towards a clean energy transition. Solar panels have an advantage over fossil fuels in that they do not produce greenhouse gas emissions when generating electricity. However, significant problems arise from the current lack of recycling options for waste solar panels. The direct disposal of solar panels is a problem not only because it does not recover valuable resources, but also because the disposal of solar panels puts great pressure on waste management systems due to the hazardous nature of the panel components. .
Nº 94
- Climate & Atmosphere
- Energy Emission Reduction
- Promotion of Solar Energy
some attempts made
past case
Region-1
Region-2
Region-3
Region-4
ongoing case
no attempts made
Recycling of solar PV panels
1) There is currently a lack of regulation in India regarding the proper disposal of solar panels. Improper disposal methods such as landfilling or open dumping of end-of-life solar panels are not uncommon. Unfortunately, these practices have serious consequences as solar panels contain hazardous components. Open dumping has led to contamination of surface and groundwater due to leachate infiltration.
2) According to a research study, around two-thirds of solar panel manufacturers in China do not fully comply with national environmental protection standards. The production of solar panel components often generates hazardous chemical by-products. Unfortunately, these by-products are often discharged into the environment without adequate pre-treatment to prevent contamination. As a result, certain rivers have shown alarming levels of chemical concentrations, leading to fish kills and risks to human health.
- Facilitated the efforts to address the initial problem
- Cascading (far-reaching effects following each other); Multilple (effects disconected from each other)
1) Jayapradha, P., & Barik, D. (2023). A Review of Solar Photovoltaic Power Utilizations in India and Impacts of Segregation and Safe Disposal of Toxic Components from Retired Solar Panels. International Journal of Energy Research, 2023.
2) Yang, H., Huang, X., & Thompson, J. R. (2014). Tackle pollution from solar panels. Nature, 509(7502), 563-563.
Xu, Y., Li, J., Tan, Q., Peters, A. L., & Yang, C. (2018). Global status of recycling waste solar panels: A review. Waste management, 75, 450-458.
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