To make solar electricity, a lot of technology is required. Solar Panels, which have become a high growth industrial product, needs to be manufactured with procedures and processes very similar to those used by computer and electronic chip makers. These processes and procedures are not very clean and green. The fact that heavy metals are produced as by product of these industries is enough to support this argument.
There is an American Investigation agency, “Silicone Valley Toxics Coalition” (SVTC), which works for a greener high tech industry and keep a special eye on computer companies like apple. In there recent report they claimed that “Environmental costs are never seriously taken by chip makers and electronic good manufacturers.” It is very much true. The industry produces toxic materials during production, which are partially still not at all investigated.
Nobody knows what to do with solar panels that become outdated or unusable. they usually have a lifespan of 20 years. People have pointed fingers at this problem already. Another major problem is the so called ” E-Waste” , Electronics scrap iron. A suitable recycling method is still missing for these.
These are enormous threats; The solar cell market is still growing. The industry however has accepted the challenge. It is really important to solve both the energy and environmental problems of mankind ;
This presents a unique opportunity to rethink the Green industrial model. At present however sufficient attention is not given. There is no time left for the planet to engage in discussions for the sake of discussions. We seriously need functioning recycling systems and during the manufacturing of solar panels the environmental effects must always be given consideration. The industry must watch out that it does not shoot itself in feet. but I am convinced there are some sensible people in the green industry and they will do the right thing.
The Shift from cadmium to silicon is a positive change and earlier is very hard to produce and recycle. But in my opinion there is no difference between a coal-fired power station and a solar panel installation but of the degree of pollution they produce. one is highly visible and other is hidden. We have to strike an environmental balance somewhere.
I think, there should be some kind of legislation on this matter. Each solar panel that goes up on any US roof should be stamped with a certificate by manufacturer that It was produced with out damage to environment. Until then, with current industry practices, A solar panel is as much guilty of polluting the environment and harming the earth’s atmosphere as a diesel generator is.
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