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The solar industry is growing exponentially but with that growth comes an increased risk of environmental damage. Companies are starting to change their ways but halting that change comes at a cost
The level of waste from the solar industry is not yet at a level that makes recycling panels economic
TOUGH DESIGN A 30-year design life means solar panels are often difficult to breakdown so the materials can be reused
SUPPLY ISSUES Materials are at risk of becoming more scarce in light of geopolitical tensions and rising solar demand
KEY QUOTE To get a recyclable PV panel, you need to change the production. Everybody is scared of that. It requires new technology ...
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Research showing that solar panels contain heavy metals is not telling us anything new. Instead of allowing ourselves to be distracted by scare stories, we should focus on the importance of solar in fighting climate change and the industry’s considerable efforts to be sustainable, argues James Watson, chief executive officer at SolarPower Europe
Environmental footprints have already become part of the tender criteria for renewable energy support in some countries
Recycling existing aluminium has significant carbon benefits compared to producing brand new material. However, the limited resources cannot keep up with the growing demand. The industry is looking to reduce carbon intensity while maintaining aluminium’s benefits
Technological innovation is key to the wind industry reducing reliance on rare earth materials from China
IEA boss Fatih Birol discusses the need and the tools for bettering the business case for renewable energy. Special report part 3/3
India’s solar sector may be facing certain difficulties, but its future holds plenty of potential
Direct tariffs should be promoted and financed by large-scale donors to accelerate the adoption of renewables in developing countries, argue experts from Dalberg, a global advisory firm. This would encourage the release of extra capital by guaranteeing a market and an energy price for clean energy sources
The guarantees of origin (GO) framework for renewable energy certificate trading is unable to function efficiently and is distorting the market, says Rasmus Lildholdt Kjær, CEO at solar PV project developer Better Energy. But a change in the rules could spark a wave of new investments
It cannot easily compete with wind and solar PV for daytime electricity generation but in countries with high levels of direct solar irradiation concentrated solar power could play a vital role in decarbonising energy systems thanks to its ability to act as a thermal battery for overnight production. But few markets are rewarding dispatchable overnight renewable energy, putting the future of the industry at risk
