If solar panels were a movie, they would have bittersweet reviews: acclaimed by critics (the scientists), but with an audience leaving the theater still perplexed. Why? Because there is a disconnect between what science knows and what the public fears. When we have to retire the first generation of panels, will we have a lot of waste to dispose of? Do they really have a positive environmental impact or are they harmful in the long term?
Annick Anctil, an engineering professor at Michigan State University, is a leading figure in the field of solar panel research. Her work just published in Nature Physics (I link it here) offers a lens through which to clearly see the reality of solar panels, separate from unfounded fears.
Let's dispel the myths: why solar panels are neither toxic nor a waste problem
One of the most common concerns about the environmental impact of solar panels concerns the presence of cadmium. Wait a moment before putting on your radiation suit, though: cadmium is only present in a small percentage of panels and, in that small percentage, it represents less than 0,1% of the total mass. Again: the form of cadmium used is different and safer than that which raises health concerns.
I'll try to summarize better, to understand more: basically, cadmium in solar panels is like that distant cousin that everyone thinks is a hooligan, but in reality he's just a bit eccentric.
And the other materials? There are no examples of solar panels for large-scale development that contain arsenic, gallium, germanium or hexavalent chromium. There are none. Point.
A sea of waste? More like a drop
Another hot topic is the increase in solar panel waste: the more widespread the panels are, the more garbage we will have to manage when they need to be replaced, with a consequent increase in environmental impact. This also definitely needs to be put into perspective: solar panel waste is a “drop in the ocean” compared to other waste categories such as plastic, coal ash and municipal solid waste.
Do we want to forget electronic waste such as that resulting from old telephones and computers? How many solar detractors, writing their ejaculations, worry about the keyboard (or keypad) they are pressing on? There's a whole list of much bigger culprits to address, while new developments also improve solar panel recycling procedures. This brings us directly to the next point.
Environmental impact, the solar industry deserves a chance
Much of the solar industry isn't sitting idle. It is working hard taking a variety of measures to reduce waste and toxicity concerns. This includes extending the lifespan of panels, researching alternative materials and developing efficient methods for recycling components.
It is clear that the actual amount of waste may be lower than current estimates. A reassuring thought every now and then, right?
In summary: let's all be very calm about the environmental impact of solar panels
The science is clear: solar panels are much safer than public perception would have us believe. After a century and more of hydrocarbons, there is too much agitation about renewables not to think that public opinion is not biased in some way.
The photovoltaic technologies in our possession, let's be clear, are far from perfect: they need to be improved, also in terms of environmental impact.
This, however, is very, very different from wanting to snub them or hastily put them aside as if they were not useful. Among the less informed and interested, too many raise contrary voices, omitting or ignoring many positive aspects. Solar must grow, in size and diffusion: it can do much more than accompany an energy transition. He can drive it.
