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It's worth noting that the actual volumes of non-recyclable material left when we're done with solar panels are tiny compared with the huge ponds of toxic ash left by coal.
Sure, I don't think anyone discussing energy production in good faith would claim that coal is anything other than the absolute worst. It's not exactly a huge achievement to say something is less bad than the most polluting method of energy generation in existence.
It's fair when that's what solar panels are replacing in Australia
Right, but that doesnt mean they're perfect and their flaws shouldnt be discussed, if for no other reason than to ensure it doesnt become a bigger problem in the future.
In addition to the waste problem the article also talks about the world supply of silver being exhausted in ~20 years if solar continues to expand at the expected 5-10x. That sounds like a problem, its probably fixable by shifting to new designs but it needs to be considered and work put into that in order to do so.
so a product with decades long lifetime made almost entirely out of easily and commonly recycled parts like aluminum and glass, vs fuels with lifetimes of a few seconds with zero recyclability, all of the waste is immediately mixed into the air. Fuck off fossil fuel pawns.
What's with the hostility? No one is disputing that solar in Australia is obviously a good choice and far better than fossil fuels. But that doesnt mean the (relatively small) downsides shouldn't be discussed.
this post was submitted on 30 Mar 2024
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