Solar power generation batteries are too wasteful

Fluctuating solar and wind power require lots of energy storage, and lithium-ion batteries seem like the obvious choice—but they are far too expensive to play a major role. By James Temple.

In the U.S., home installations of solar panels have fully rebounded from the Covid slump, with analysts predicting more than 19 gigawatts of total capacity installed, compared to 13 gigawatts at.

Renewable power advocates tout next-generation batteries as a path to making wind and solar power economically competitive. The environmental impacts of battery production and disposal.

A major new study of the economics of solar, published in Harvard Business Review, finds that the waste produced by solar panels will make electricity from solar four times more expensive.

On October 23, 2023, EPA announced a new rulemaking effort to improve the recycling and management of end-of-life solar panels and lithium batteries. EPA is developing a proposed rule to add solar panels to the universal waste regulations and to add tailored universal waste standards for lithium batteries.

Solar power generation batteries are too wasteful [PDF] Chat with us

6 FAQs about [Solar power generation batteries are too wasteful]

Is solar panel waste a problem?

The Guardian UG 0.0% said solar panel waste was a “somewhat ironic concern from [me], a proponent of nuclear power, which has a rather bigger toxic waste problem ” adding that “broken panels… are relatively rare except perhaps in the wake of a natural disaster like a hurricane or earthquake.”

Should solar panel waste be increased?

Concerns about an increase in solar panel waste need to be placed in the context of how the amount of waste compares to other sources.

Will EPA add solar panels to Universal Waste Regulations?

Are solar panels causing a surge in photovoltaic panel waste?

The coming surge in photovoltaic panel waste is tiny compared to other categories, and most health concerns about solar equipment are unfounded. The Amazon Fort Powhatan Solar Farm in Disputanta, Virginia on August 19, 2022. Credit: Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Are next-generation batteries good for the environment?

Next-generation batteries are touted as a way to make wind and solar power economically competitive with conventional power by renewable power advocates. However, the environmental impacts of battery production and disposal are substantial and may outweigh any environmental benefits of zero-emission wind and solar power. Renewable power advocates tout next-generation batteries as a path to making wind and solar power economically competitive with conventional power.

Are solar panels a universal waste?

EPA is working on this rulemaking in part in response to a petition submitted by a broad coalition of industry associations to regulate solar panels as universal waste. EPA is also working on adjustments within the universal waste regulations to improve safety standards and reduce fires from mismanaged end-of-life lithium batteries.

Solar power generation batteries are too wasteful