Demand for solar panels is projected to go up. China has already recognized the increasing global demand and has opened several new PV plants at a breakneck pace. The result is that we are going to have a ton of cheap PV panels, but at what cost? The toxic byproducts from the polysilicon (the stuff eventually destined for PV panels) production are being dumped in Chinese rivers and right on the ground close by to schools and villages. The toxin breaks down into hydrochloric acid and chlorine in the soil. If you are a farmer around that plant the soil is essentially dead. Our demand for cheaper and cheaper PV panels will create yet another bio-hazard for the Chinese.
Now there are two sides to this coin. First the Chinese government desires short term profits at the expense of their people, but the importers (the rest of the world) are also responsible for holding the Chinese to the same environmental standards as we hold ourselves. Hopefully this Washington Post article will get your brain juices flowing.
One question I have is how to treat this toxic byproduct so that it is no longer harmful. There has to be a way to neuter this toxin and then recycle the remaining elements somehow. Maybe you folks know?
Moving toward a more sustainable, renewable, and efficient world.
How do we get there?
This is your mother. I'm impressed by your thoughtfulness and expanding knowledge on a subject that moves you. I hope you keep thinking and talking (writing).
ReplyDeleteLove - Mom