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?
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
The Dark Side of PV Production
Labels:
china,
environment,
manufacturing,
PV
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Wishful Thinking
*Before adding PV, wind, or solar thermal to your residential or commercial structure, the first step is to analyze this structure's energy consumption through a professional energy audit. I'd like to see some public education on the importance of an energy audit for any structure. Remember Smokey the Bear's forest fire shtick drilled into our heads over the last few decades? How about something like, "Henry the House" desperately wanting to know how much energy he consumes and wastes throughout the day?
*With over 300 sunny days a year on the Front Range is it too much to ask for solar PV and thermal modules on every residential and commercial unit (after an energy audit of course)?
*How about affordable plug-in electric cars that go more than 100 miles on a charge with PV and wind powered recharging stations?
*Dreaming of companies large and small adopting business sustainability practices to maximize profits, reduce their carbon footprint, and enhance the lives of their employees and the communities that surround them.
*With over 300 sunny days a year on the Front Range is it too much to ask for solar PV and thermal modules on every residential and commercial unit (after an energy audit of course)?
*How about affordable plug-in electric cars that go more than 100 miles on a charge with PV and wind powered recharging stations?
*Dreaming of companies large and small adopting business sustainability practices to maximize profits, reduce their carbon footprint, and enhance the lives of their employees and the communities that surround them.
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1 comment:
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).
Love - Mom
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