Ignorance can be cured by the application of information. While we may be ignorant about many things, learning can empower us to do great things. Take, for example, the production of cellphones or automobiles. If someone shows us how to do it, we can learn and eventually do it ourselves. However, many people remain uninformed about how solar panels are made, how they work, how long they last, and what happens to them at the end of their lifecycle.
The fossil fuel industry, led by individuals like Charles Koch, takes advantage of this lack of information to further their own selfish agendas. They wouldn’t hesitate to sacrifice the well-being of many for their own monetary gains, even if it means causing harm through toxic air, polluted water, or extreme heat. To achieve their despicable goals, they intentionally spread misinformation about the environmental risks associated with solar panels.
According to their false narrative, the world will soon be overwhelmed with mountains of solar panel waste, leaking deadly chemicals into the soil for decades. If this were true, it would indeed be a cause for concern. However, Charles Koch and his followers know that it’s not true, yet they ensure that their lies reach a wide audience through channels like Faux News and extremist websites. These misleading claims aim to stir up anger among gullible consumers, leading to a backlash against the solar revolution. Unfortunately, their nefarious plot seems to be working.
Debunking solar panel waste myths
In October 2023, researchers from the National Renewable Energy Lab and Colorado School of Mines published a report in the journal Nature Physics (paywall), which thoroughly debunks these lies, myths, and distortions. Teresa Barnes, a researcher at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and co-author of the report, expressed how myths are often used to hinder the progress of renewable energy, which is detrimental given the urgency of addressing climate change. She emphasized that unmitigated climate change poses far greater dangers than the potential risks associated with renewables.
The report acknowledges the need for a massive 75 terawatts of solar capacity worldwide in order to combat global overheating. Naturally, concerns arise about the quantity of waste that may result from decommissioning these solar panels. In a worst-case scenario, it is estimated that by 2050, about 160 million metric tons of solar panel waste could accumulate.
However, the researchers highlight that this amount is relatively small compared to waste from other sources, particularly coal. The authors state that 35 years of cumulative solar panel waste from 2016 to 2050 is significantly dwarfed by the waste generated from fossil fuel energy and other common waste streams. For instance, the volume of coal ash is up to 800 times greater, while oily sludge waste from fossil fuels can be up to 5 times greater compared to the expected solar panel waste. Moreover, they emphasize that solar panel recycling is already practiced, and the industry for recovering solar panel materials for reuse is steadily growing.
Misinformation and health concerns
In addition to concerns about waste quantity, the NREL researchers highlight how misinformation about toxic materials in solar modules has fueled overstated claims about the potential harm of solar waste on human health and the environment. These inaccurate claims, often amplified through cultural and political battles, have contributed to public opposition against solar installations. Even official websites in certain states, such as Florida, spread these falsehoods. However, as the researchers found, the two most common types of solar panels contain minimal amounts (less than 0.1%) of substances like lead and cadmium, which are often the focus of these claims. Furthermore, solar panel recycling processes can effectively recapture and reuse these materials.
The importance of accurate information and framing the discussion
Lorraine Whitmarsh, director of the Center for Climate Change and Social Transformations at the University of Bath in the UK, emphasizes the power of framing and the impact it has on public perception. According to her, negative claims, regardless of their veracity, can significantly impede the success of innovations. Negative information tends to grab more attention than positive information, making it easier to undermine confidence in new products or initiatives. Therefore, countering misinformation about renewable energy, such as the NREL research, plays a vital role in offsetting negative narratives.
Annick Anctil, an engineering professor at Michigan State University, notes the disconnect between experts’ knowledge and the public’s concerns. The NREL report presents scientific information accurately and with clarity, contributing to increased public understanding of health and safety issues related to solar power. To effectively communicate this information, it may be more impactful to use visual aids, such as charts illustrating the minimal amount of solar panel waste compared to other environmental threats.
Ultimately, it is crucial for regulators, communities, and individuals to make informed decisions about renewable energy investments. Deploying more solar and wind energy is the most effective and fastest way to decarbonize and address climate change. By dispelling myths, spreading accurate information, and fostering open dialogue, we can overcome ignorance and move towards a cleaner and greener future.
