Considering the following factors, is electrical power production based on solar energy truly environmental friendly?
1. The production of photovoltaic devices involve the use of toxic chemicals containing , arsenic and cadmium
2. The land area required for production of every Mw of power is of the order of 5-10 acres
3. Burden on the disposal of photovoltaic modules after their service life
4. Most often solar electric projects use storage elements like batteries. The environmental effects related to manufacturing and disposal of batteries
Dear Muraleedharan Sir,
The answer to the above questions
1) Yes what you said is right arsenic and cadmium are used in solar panels.But they are of very small quantity when compared with what we release while burning fossil fuels its much much much more eco friendly than burning coal . Plus they do not release Co2 or they are not the cause for global warming .
2) Area required for solar power plant per Mw is 5 acres its much when compared with thermal plants . Here we need to understand that solar panels can be installed anywhere as you can see the case of gujarat in India where panels were kept on canals saving water and space. Its the choice we have we can install them anywhere virtually on any surface regardless availability of water or suitable ground. Barren lands which we cannot use for any purpose can be used to set up solar power plant .So there are plenty of options . THE BIGGEST POSITIVE IS YOU CAN SHIFT THE PLANT ANYWHERE ITS NOT PERMANENT STRUCTURE. Solar power is flexible.
3)Many companies are offering recycling of the waste photovolatic panels . Silicon the major component can be reused and recycled.And good solar panels will work for least case of 25 years by that time technology will be developed to a stage where solar panels can be 100% recycled.
4) Even batteries if you observe leading battery manufacturer specifications you will find a logo informing that after the battery life is over please bring back to us this battery can be recycled.There are plenty of manufacturers world wide
Ultimately the choice will make a difference . What you choose makes the difference and bridges gap between environment friendly and toxic products .Its up to you to chose the right system .
Dear Muraleedharan Sir,
The answer to the above questions
1) Yes what you said is right arsenic and cadmium are used in solar panels.But they are of very small quantity when compared with what we release while burning fossil fuels its much much much more eco friendly than burning coal . Plus they do not release Co2 or they are not the cause for global warming .
2) Area required for solar power plant per Mw is 5 acres its much when compared with thermal plants . Here we need to understand that solar panels can be installed anywhere as you can see the case of gujarat in India where panels were kept on canals saving water and space. Its the choice we have we can install them anywhere virtually on any surface regardless availability of water or suitable ground. Barren lands which we cannot use for any purpose can be used to set up solar power plant .So there are plenty of options . THE BIGGEST POSITIVE IS YOU CAN SHIFT THE PLANT ANYWHERE ITS NOT PERMANENT STRUCTURE. Solar power is flexible.
3)Many companies are offering recycling of the waste photovolatic panels . Silicon the major component can be reused and recycled.And good solar panels will work for least case of 25 years by that time technology will be developed to a stage where solar panels can be 100% recycled.
4) Even batteries if you observe leading battery manufacturer specifications you will find a logo informing that after the battery life is over please bring back to us this battery can be recycled.There are plenty of manufacturers world wide
Ultimately the choice will make a difference . What you choose makes the difference and bridges gap between environment friendly and toxic products .Its up to you to chose the right system .
From mr. Ram Bapatla's answer, the 'Heavy-metal-things' is the only one problem can't be resolve, but i think many scientists still doing their research for the substitute.
We know that they are toxic, but for me it's better than we wasted it in our land.
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