Environmental Impact of Solar Panel Manufacturing
The clean energy production potential of solar panels is undeniable and plays an important role in Hawaii’s renewable energy future. Despite this, many residents and decision-makers don’t fully understand the environmental sacrifices required to achieve full-scale solar energy production. While many of these sacrifices occur outside of Hawaii, where manufacturing is taking place, they shouldn’t be ignored as they significantly impact climate change.
The environmental impact of photovoltaic panel manufacturing processes has been shrouded in secrecy by leading manufacturers. From production pollutants to manufacturing waste, to mining and habitat loss, we want to shed some light on the consequences of solar panel manufacturing and how this relates to Hawaii’s renewable energy future.
Solar Panel Production
Photovoltaic panel production is resource-intensive, requiring substantial amounts of water, industrial materials, and even fossil fuels. Coal is the primary energy source used in the photovoltaic panel production process, which is directly linked to increased carbon emissions.
Hydrofluoric acid and sodium hydroxides are both used in the solar panel manufacturing process. These both require strict regulations regarding the treatment and disposal of toxic waste water. Meanwhile, workers employed at photovoltaic panel production factories must be safeguarded from these hazardous chemicals. This means regulated protections.
Studies show that silicon particles are released into the environment during the production process, causing Silicosis in people that are known to have come in contact with the particles. Silicon particles that are released into the environment during the production process have been shown to cause Silicosis in those exposed to the particles 3.
Pollutants and Solar Waste
The issue of recycling old photovoltaic panels has not received much attention, as the first few sets of panels installed are just now beginning to expire. Now that this expiration is upon us, the management of expired photovoltaic panels is becoming a pressing issue.
Solar panels are predominantly made out of glass but contain Cadmium and Lead, which are classified as carcinogenic. Because of this, there are safety concerns regarding impurities. To recycle these components, additional costs must be allocated to remove impurities.
Currently, since old photovoltaic panels cannot be conveniently recycled, they are commonly discharged in landfills. This process poses serious environmental risks because of the toxic chemicals found in the panels. Cadmium can be released and washed out with rainwater, which ends up leaching into the soil and polluting the surrounding area.
Environmental Risks of Mining
Most modern technology requires the use of rare minerals during the manufacturing process. Photovoltaic panels are no different and utilize more than 19 of these rare minerals. These are finite sources and are obsessively mined at various locations around the world. The demand for these minerals is extremely high, as countries strive to improve renewable energy production and meet consumers’ demand for technology.
Due to this massive demand, research shows that there won’t be enough Indium (a component for photovoltaic panels) to supply this green revolution. These findings are concerning, but even more so when you consider the impact of mining. It is proven that mining results in sinkholes, loss of biodiversity, and contamination of nearby water streams from highly acidic metal waste.
Habitat Loss & Concerns in Hawaii
Natural habitats are often dealt devastating blows when solar farms are constructed. This puts a range of native species at risk. Recently, there were many questions regarding a proposal to cut down 18×3 acre lots containing indigenous Ohia trees to create space for the Photovoltaic farm in Ka’u.
Ward Lambert, a former photovoltaic advocate, expressed his concerns, as the choice was made to purchase land at a higher elevation with more vegetation than the land at a lower elevation. There was also a barbed-wire fence installed around the panels that put native animals in harm’s way. These decisions highlight the potential for habitat loss throughout Hawaii where decisions are being made to add solar plants.
While solar is labeled as a clean and alternative energy source, there are still negative environmental implications that are not commonly discussed. Photovoltaic panel production is linked to carbon emissions, toxic waste, unsustainable mining practices, and habitat loss. These environmental downsides, coupled with solar’s limited capacity to generate enough energy to support the grid, should be considered by residents and decision-makers alike.
On Hawaii Island specifically, certain parties would like a majority of renewable energy investments to be made in solar instead of diversifying. This puts the stability of the island’s grid in jeopardy and opens the door to all of the environmental impacts outlined above.