Solar Power: The New E-Waste, or Safe to Recycle?

Hey Mr. Green,

Are solar panels worthwhile as an environmental investment, or are they the next e-waste? –-Anna L, in Pasadena, California

Given the staggering amount of e-waste we already generate, your concern is legitimate. We dump more than 1.8 million tons of electronic stuff every year, according to the EPA. That’s a toxic heap of 14 million TVs; 109 million computers and their peripherals, and 112 million cell phones. (To find responsible electronics recyclers, see the Electronics TakeBack Coalition’s listings at www.electronicstakeback.com/how-to-recycle-electronics/)

Defunct solar panels are not likely to grow into similar mountains--and that’s quite a claim from techno-skeptic like Mr. Green, who has been called a hopeless Luddite. Solar panels will last 25 years, unlike so much electronic gear that gets tossed because it’s obsolete, dysfunctional, or simply uncool within a few months or years of its gestation This life span should give the solar industry and government regulators ample time to set up safe recycling operations. Already, one major producer of solar panels, First Solar, has recycling facilities at its plants that operate by OSHA and other safety standards and recover 95 percent of panel material and 90 percent of the glass used. Because the bulk of the recycling will take place far in the future, this company has set up a separate trust to fund recycling operations. The largest U.S. solar panel company, Solar World, has a certified recycling facility in Germany where it can send old panels, while in Europe, 85 percent of the solar manufacturers are already committed to safety-certified recycling programs.

The Solar Energy Industry Association, a major solar trade group, even includes recycling in its “Solar Bill of Rights,” declaring, “Consumers should expect the solar industry to minimize its environmental impact through panel recycling and other programs, and communicate information about available incentives in a clear, accurate and accessible manner..”

The reason for this approach are obvious: At the very heart of the solar industry is its claim to green energy, so it becomes highly vulnerable to attack if green energy comes at the cost of a dirty environment cluttered with dirty waste. By contrast, other electronics industries never made environmental values their main reason for existence and the basis of their marketing. They had little reason to worry about chucking millions of tons of their products. This radical difference explains why solar-industry folks I’ve consulted view environmental regulation and recycling with a positive attitude one rarely finds in most other industries.

But not all solar manufacturers are safe or environmentally responsible, so if you are considering the purchase or rental of solar panels, you should be prepared to ask tough questions about any solar manufacturer’s processes and recycling policies.

P.S. I was going to append a fine poem, “Throw Your Cell Phone in the Ocean,” but was worried that some people might take literally what is a metaphor for unplugging the wretched excess of electronic gadgetry and tuning in to the actual world around us. If you'd like a copy, request it at submit your question above.

Comments

[Lynn Daven]

I agree with you. But Buyers should also know of the processes and facilities where they could do their own recycling. Maybe there should be more information on what facilities are available in the area. That way, those who are interested in solar panels are also informed about recycling policies.

[Sara swain]

the problem is these technologies are not developed with recycle-ability in mind. Is the end life of of the products were understood and investment during the development stage we would not have this issue so much of the older solar panels are failing now and been put into landfills when they can be recycled.

[Solar Hot Water System]

Nice post man.I like the content.

[Solar Panels]

The ability of solar panels to produce electricity for homes is indeed remarkable and fascinating. With all the information I have read in this article, I agree with you that installing such panels in one's house is a great investment for everyone since these basically lasts up to 25 years and are 90% recyclable!Truly a hi-tech gadget that is worth every dollar!

[Solar Panels]

Now that you mentioned that solar panels are 90% recyclable, then this makes them quite valuable. Plus, one can gets tons of savings on electric bills, making them a cost-effective alternative to free source of solar energy.

http://www.i-solar.co.uk/

[Solar Panels in Cardiff]

I agree that it's unlikely that solar panels will create new e-waste because it can't be put in the same category as tvs, phones and so on. It's more similar to cars in terms of the cost and how long they will last. They are more of a long term investment and will not be thrown away after a few years. However there is a chance that in 25 years time we will have a large amount of old solar panels to deal with.

[painter phoenix]

Lets face it, when you walk into a house or different room, the color can stand out in a variety of ways, but usually the feeling is good or bad.

[supra foot]

thanks for your article,like your blog very much,well done

[Ian Worrall]

One should certainly expect that an envronmentally friendly industry will recycle its dead panels