Yuma, Arizona on December 6, 2023. As the world pivots from planet-warming fossil fuels to renewable energy, a new pollution problem is rearing its head: what to do with old or worn-out solar panels. Recently, there has been a surge in articles bringing attention to the rise in solar waste, which is predicted to become a significant problem in the coming decades.
Not only are panels cheaper now, but with technological advancements, their efficiency rates have improved, and they can generate more electricity. So that means that newer panels can convert a unit of solar energy into more electricity. People can wait till the end of life to replace their panel or choose early replacement even before the typical 20 to 25 year lifetime if it makes economic sense to replace them.
Unfortunately, at present, recycling isn't easy or profitable for businesses. What this means is that what comes out of the recycling process is not worth the investment. The recycling process also varies significantly depending on the materials involved, and each technique—whether mechanical, chemical, or thermal—determines the costs, technology, and skills required to recycle.
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