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There Is A Dark Side To Solar Energy Article
There is a Dark Side to Solar Energy
from:Beverly Saltonstall
It seems as though with every good thing there is always a bad side. Such is the the case with solar energy. Solar energy is destined to be the next super star in the quest for renewable energy. On the surface solar energy appears to be the solution to our world's energy crisis, but what is not obvious is the dark side to solar energy. The manufacturing process of solar panels uses a large amount of fossil fuels and the cells in solar panels contain toxic materials which are not readily recycled.
Environmentalists are concerned that this new technology will pour hazardous wastes into or landfills when these panels start to wear out.
Standards need to be set today that deal with the end of life of these solar panels. We certainly do not want a whole new industry that continues to pollute our planet.
It is critical that this new technology, which has so much promise for the future, be completely green from start to finish. We cannot afford to make the same mistakes that we made with the electronics industry. e-Waste is a major problem around the world. Improper disposal of cell phones, computers, printers and other electronic waste is filling the landfills with hazardous and toxic materials in a big way. Solar energy technology should not take that same route.
The solar industry is only in its infancy and accounts for only a minute amount of the power needed to run this planet. This is set to change. The newly elected President of the United States, promises to get the country on the right track to ends its dependency, on not only foreign oil, but oil all together.
The problem with pushing this technology is that countries such as China are using horrific manufacturing practices to supply components for solar power products. Story after story is being reported about the contamination of the soil, water and air in China, all from the improper dumping of toxic chemicals.
Low paid workers, many of whom are children, are dying, developing cancers and suffering from all sorts of diseases due to the manufacturing practices used today.
It is critical that as technology progresses, materials must be used that do not harm the environment. It is important to have a disposal plan in place when these units wear out or are replaced with new technology.
Many manufacturing companies want to "do the right thing", and are working together to develop ideas on how to recycle solar panels before they become an environmental hazard. These companies do not want to deal with rules and regulations that may be passed in the future, and are willing to take responsibility for the entire life and death of their products.
Some companies have gone so far as to set up private trust funds to cover the cost of the collection efforts. This will ensure that the panels will be recycled even if the company goes out of business.
Having companies that provide solutions to the energy problem and not create environmental hazards is the road we must take in our quest for renewable energy.
Beverly Saltonstall is an environmental writer. For more information on Sustainable Development visit her blog at http://sustainable-development-forecast.com/blog