Although the lifespan of solar panels is increasing, many that have been installed could only last for up to a few decades and could become a waste problem if they wind up in landfills.
There are also questions about whether the small amounts of toxic metals within them, such as lead, could be harmful to the environment. But so far, recycling them has been difficult and expensive.a way that could help solve that problem using a common household technology: the microwave.
The aluminum frame and glass, which typically make up about 85 percent of the total weight of a solar panel, also have value and can be recovered, he said. “Solar panels are improperly recycled,” he said. All the recoverable materials could probably be worth $11 or $12 per panel, he noted. “Just by extracting that glass intact, you are readily making solar panel recycling economically more viable,” he said.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Australia's humpback populations rebound, raising hopes of marine scientistsJuly marks the peak of the humpback whale's 6,000-mile migration north to Queensland, Australia's warmer waters, where they mate and give birth.
Read more »
Record number of sunspots observed in June has solar scientists worriedA recent X-class solar flare resulted in a radio blackout over the Pacific and parts of the US. Scientists think more might be in store.
Read more »
SETI researchers continue search for alien life in Shasta CountyIn the small town of Hat Creek in Shasta County, a few hours north of the Bay Area, a radio observatory is looking for a lot more than just stars.
Read more »
Exclusive: Syrian regime organised feared ghost militias, war crimes researchers sayEXCLUSIVE: In the early years of Syria's brutal conflict, top government officials established and directed paramilitary groups known as shabbiha to help the state crack down on opponents, war crimes investigators have documented
Read more »
Researchers demonstrate ‘unconditionally secure’ quantum digital paymentsResearchers from the University of Vienna’s Center for Quantum Science and Technology have successfully demonstrated a quantum digital payment system they claim is “unconditionally secure.”
Read more »
Researchers identify first case of CTE in a female athleteResearchers at the Australian Sports Brain Bank (ASBB) on Monday reported the first diagnosis of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in a female athlete.
Read more »