Illuminating the Shadows COMMENT 05

This layer provides structural support, protects the underlying components from environmental factors and allows sunlight to pass through

Behind the photovoltaic cells there is a back sheet layer that acts as a barrier against moisture and protects the solar cells from the backside The back sheet is typically made of a polymer material like polyester or fluoropolymer The solar panels have a frame around the edges usually made of aluminum The frame provides structural support and helps protect the panel during installation and transportation greenhouse gases

When solar panels are incinerated or left to decompose in landfills they contribute to the emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane

These emissions contribute to climate change and global warming, further exacerbating environmental issues disposal and recycling of used solar panels

TH E rapid growth of solar energy installations around the world has been a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change However, as the lifespan of solar panels ranges from 25 to 30 years, there is a pressing need to address the issue of electronic waste, or e-waste, generated by the disposal of these panels With billions of solar panels installed globally experts warn of a potential environmental disaster if proper recycling and disposal systems are not put in place Estimates indicate that by 2030 there could be four million tons of scrap solar panels, and by 2050, this number could exceed 200 million tons globally To put this into perspective, the current global annual production of plastic stands at 400 million tons

Thus the scale of the potential e-waste issue necessitates immediate attention and the development of comprehensive recycling chains

Solar panels also known as photovoltaic (PV) modules, are composed of several key components that work together to convert sunlight into usable electricity The composition of solar panels typically includes photovoltaic cells, which are the heart of a solar panel and are responsible for converting sunlight into electrical energy

The cells are usually made of silicon which is a semiconductor material Silicon can be either monocrystalline (made from a single crystal structure) polycrystalline (made from multiple crystals), or thin-film (made by depositing a thin layer of semiconductor material on a substrate) Monocrystalline and polycrystalline silicon cells are the most commonly used in solar panels

These solar cells are encapsulated to protect them from moisture dust and mechanical damage Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) is commonly used as the encapsulation material It is a transparent and durable polymer that acts as a protective layer Solar panels have a top layer made of tempered glass or a transparent back sheet

The junction box is located on the back of the solar panel and houses electrical connections It allows for the wiring of multiple panels in a solar array and facilitates the connection to an inverter or other electrical components Solar panels have electrical wires that connect the junction box to the external electrical system Connectors such as MC4 or Amphenol connectors are often used to join multiple panels together or connect them to other system components

Improper disposal of solar panels can lead to significant environmental hazards One of the main concerns is the presence of heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and selenium within the panels When solar panels are not properly managed these metals can leach into the soil and water posing risks to ecosystems and human health

Heavy metals are known for their toxicity and can bioaccumulate in the food chain, causing long-term damage to organisms In addition to heavy metals, solar panels may contain hazardous substances like poly brominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) used in flame retardants and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) found in older models When solar panels are disposed of improperly these substances can be released into the environment, leading to soil and water pollution Exposure to hazardous substances can have adverse effects on both wildlife and human populations Furthermore the improper disposal of solar panels consumes valuable landfill space As landfills become increasingly scarce, the accumulation of solar panels exacerbates this problem Additionally the disposal of solar panels in landfills represents a missed opportunity for resource recovery since many of the materials within the panels can be recycled or reused Another concern is the release of