How green are your solar panels?
You want to live green, so you consider installing solar panels on your home or business to minimize use of fossil-fuel based electricity. But just how green is that energy source, anyway? Is clean solar energy a myth?
Solar panel toxicity is considered by many to be solar’s dirty little secret. While power from the sun itself is free, renewable and green, the equipment necessary to capture and convert solar energy into usable electricity may have a carbon footprint a bit larger than you would imagine.
Generally speaking, while solar panel manufacturing involves use of some fossil fuels, many believe that the cost-benefit analysis weighs in favor of going solar rather than sticking with grid-based electricity. Still, you could find a “greener” solar panel, depending from which manufacturer you purchase solar panels.
Not all solar panels are created equal
The Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition conducted a recent survey, comparing environmental health and safety practices, recycling policies, and sustainability among 14 major solar panel manufacturers that represent about 1/4 of the global solar module market share. Its report indicates that German companies scored the highest overall: Calyxo, SolarWorld and Sovello garnered top scores. Yingli, based in China, came in fourth place. U.S.-based First Solar and Abound Solar, (the only two American companies to respond) followed.
Specific, eye-opening findings include:
- Half the companies surveyed supported mandatory take-back and recycling at the end of the solar panels’ life, yet many need to start setting aside money for such programs
- About 2/3 of the companies surveyed fail to perform life-cycle analysis on their products
- The risk of chemicals used during solar panel manufacturing is not assessed by the majority of responding manufacturers
- There was no response from several major manufacturers (and thus no information to compare), including Sharp, Miasolé, Best Solar and Solyndra.
While more information and analysis is needed to provide both the industry and the public with necessary information on minimization of solar panel toxicity, the survey is perhaps a good start. With the increase in solar energy as a renewable resource, questions are already arising as to proper disposal or recycling of the panels at the end of their 20-40 year life-cycle.
Let’s keep the discussion going and get a few more manufacturers to disclose information and work to improve practices. You can help by asking questions before purchasing or installing solar panels. Be a wise consumer; the solar industry will rise to meet the standards we demand.
Tags: clean solar energy, green solar panel, silicon valley toxics coalition, solar industry, solar panel manufacturing, solar panel toxic, solar panel toxicity
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