Renewable: Material consequences

Context

Your company produces distributed solar photovoltaic systems using rare materials like indium, gallium, and tellurium. These elements are critical but limited, with extraction linked to environmental harm.

Dilemma

Do you:
A) Invest in rare material recovery and closed-loop recycling systems, preserving resources and reducing environmental damage.
B) Prioritize rapid growth and cost-efficiency by continuing with current supply chains.

Summary

The inclusion of metals such as Cd, Pb, Ni, and As to PV panels may be a matter of concern because they may provoke numerous negative environmental effects, especially after decommissioning. Although the release of Pb and Cd from solar panels is generally low, these releases may increase, posing long-term harm. Cd and Pb, if only released from solar panels, can enter the environment, including soil and water, posing a significant risk to human health and ecosystems. Cd, in particular, can have profound and lasting negative impacts on animals and humans, affecting cellular responses, enzyme operations, and immune system functionality. Pb exposure, in turn, can induce oxidative stress and neurotoxicity, disrupt ion regulatory pathways, and impair immune function. Despite efforts to reduce the release of toxic metals from PV panels, controlling their disposal and avoiding environmental contamination remains challenging.

Resources:

• https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3298/11/7/140
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652618336321
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749123000684