Are solar panels an eco-disaster waiting to happen?

[Social Media]

While they are being promoted around the world as a crucial weapon in reducing carbon emissions, solar panels only have a lifespan of up to 25 years.

Experts say billions of panels will eventually all need to be disposed of and replaced.

"The world has installed more than one terawatt of solar capacity. Ordinary solar panels have a capacity of about 400W, so if you count both rooftops and solar farms, there could be as many as 2.5 billion solar panels.," says Dr Rong Deng, an expert in solar panel recycling at the University of New South Wales in Australia.

According to the British government, there are tens of millions of solar panels in the UK. But the specialist infrastructure to scrap and recycle them is lacking.

[KhunLA]

The article contradicts itself, the headliner, mentioning panels being recyclable. Now and probably more so in the future.

From another news-blip/op-ed:
"Fortunately, 95 per cent of a solar panel can be recycled, whilst 80 per cent of crystalline silicon can be recovered via a refined process. A spokesperson for the Department of Climate Change, Energy, and Environment, and Water says the government is working with stakeholders to design a solar system waste scheme.'

https://www.energymatters.com.au/renewable-news/australia-grapples-with-anticipated-solar-panel-waste/#:~:text=Fortunately%2C 95 per cent of,a solar system waste scheme

 

It's only a problem if not recycled.

For TH ... That appears to apply to everything. All the recyclables collected here, and small portion is actually recycled. Simply ends up burned, to the landfill, or worst, dumped at sea.

Only 1, AFAIK, trash to energy plants here. That's just silly, poor governing, and worldwide.

 

As with everything, almost, products aren't the problem ...

... people are.

[thaibeachlovers]

On 6/5/2023 at 11:11 AM, KhunLA said:

As with everything, almost, products aren't the problem ...

... people are.

Exactly. So why is no one in a position of authority trying to lower the planet's population?

 

Till they do so, IMO humanity is doomed and the planet will move on to the next dominant species. Hopefully they do better than we did.

[KhunLA]

7 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

Exactly. So why is no one in a position of authority trying to lower the planet's population?

 

Till they do so, IMO humanity is doomed and the planet will move on to the next dominant species. Hopefully they do better than we did.

On topic ... solar being the lesser of most of the evils, and practical & affordable for most to have, if only supplementing their energy needs. 

 

Impractical to have nuke plant at the house, unless living next to stream, forget hydro, same w/thermal, and both location dependent.  Any version of fossil is detrimental.  Wind is iffy & inconsistent...leaves good ol' solar for most.  No reason there is not solar panels on every roof, whether for independence or feeding the grid.  It's all about corporate profits.  

 

Agree, way too many people.  Having places such as here/TH, not enough infrastructure for those living here, and then TAT, trying to entice 40 million more to visit a year.  Madness IMHO

 

I of course, always with the planet in mind, passed on having offspring, to my knowledge anyway.  Same w/pets, dogs, just take in off the street, what's already here.  No need to add to the madness.

 

Families with more than 1 or 2 kid ... I'm not getting it, aside from the stress & financial burden it adds to your life.

 

I was either too selfish to share my toys, or simply didn't think any partner of mine, was mother material.

[thaibeachlovers]

23 hours ago, KhunLA said:

Impractical to have nuke plant at the house, unless living next to stream, forget hydro, same w/thermal, and both location dependent. 

The new version of nuclear power plant is very attractive as small enough to have locally and they are apparently portable.

 

NZ is mainly hydro, some thermal ( steam from the ground ), but if they get everyone to buy electric cars will have to import loads of coal to make enough electricity for Aucklanders as Huntly is a  coal and gas plant.

[thaibeachlovers]

23 hours ago, KhunLA said:

Any version of fossil is detrimental.

Fossil fuel allowed mankind to become what it is today, or we'd still be using sailing ships, horses, or walking.

Try growing and transporting enough food for 8 billion ( and rising ) people without diesel powered machinery- not going to happen in foreseeable future, IMO.