Recycling solar panels--separating materials for re-use--is energy-consuming and expensive. When a utility-scale solar array stops generating profits, its corporation can replace its equipment or go bankrupt. If it goes bankrupt, its county might have to contend with hundreds of acres of hazardous waste. Before your county permits a utility-scale solar array, require the corporation to post a bond--in the event that it files for bankruptcy.
Other key issues
The United Nations' Environmental Program's reports that countries heavily invested in "green" technologies rank environmentally sustainable on the UN's index.23 China, the Democratic Republic of Congo and India--where ores are mined and smelted, manufacturers make chemicals, e-waste is discarded--rank unsustainable because they generate CO2, toxic waste and worker hazards. Would production and consumption change if we calculated manufactured goods' ecological impacts from cradle-to-grave?
During manufacturing and to clear dirt from installed panels, solar PVs guzzle water. To make way for a utility-scale solar array, corporations may cut down thousands of carbon-sequestering trees.24 Solar arrays disturb the land's ability to absorb and store water, nourish microbial and plant life.
China controls 70% of the rare-earth market. Dependence on it creates geo-political conflicts.25 Demand for copper--used in solar panel wiring, cables and inverters--could exceed supply by 2025.26
New thinking
Consider that wildlife habitat loss, climate change and social injustice are consequences of overshoot and over-consumption--including production of "green" technologies. Without manufacturing more, new industrially-produced goods, how could we reduce ecological impacts?
Before you purchase a new device--or solar PV system--research the supply chain of one of its substances.27
Abide by the principle that no technology is safe or ecologically sound until licensed subject-matter experts certify safety and soundness from design-to-discard.
Define and monitor use of terms like "sustainable," "renewable" and "green"--currently just marketing words. Enact laws like France's 2022 decree prohibiting corporations from calling products "carbon neutral" without cradle-to-grave proof.28
Energy and waste are worldwide issues. To keep electricity available 24/7--including during (demanding) summer months, let's ask, "What's essential? What's a luxury?" and study ways to reduce air conditioning needs (for example) by painting rooftops with reflective paint.
Dry clothes in the sun--rather than an electric dryer powered by solar PVs.
Start reducing energy use by 3% per month--and share what you learn.
Create a neighborhood forum for questions and discussions dedicated to living within our ecological means.
RESOURCES
For a hard-to-find image of solar panel waste, see this solar array decimated by a storm? in Puerto Rico: Click Here
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