By 2060, discarded solar panels could total to 402 million tonnes; recycling them could...

Solar Panel Waste: The Unknown Side of Solar Power Discarded solar panels could become a major global waste problem, with as much as 402 million tonnes of photovoltaic (PV) waste expected by 2060. But if these panels are recycled properly, the materials inside them could create almost $1 trillion (£770 billion) in economic value.According to an international study published in the journal Nature, global PV waste could reach between 297 million and 402 million tonnes over the next four decades. After 2040, middle-income countries, especially China, are expected to become the main source of retired solar panels as early solar installations reach the end of their working lives.The research was carried out by a team from China, Australia and Sweden, including researchers from the School of Civil Engineering and Construction Management at Adelaide University.Valuable metals hidden in discarded panelsSolar panels contain valuable materials such as silicon, silver, copper and tellurium. They can also contain harmful heavy metals, including lead and cadmium. If panels are sent to normal landfills or handled incorrectly, these substances can create environmental risks.To find the best ways ...