Here is the direct comparison, clearly stated once more for emphasis: Solar generates approximately 2 kilograms of inert, recyclable waste per megawatt-hour. Coal generates around 90 kilograms of highly toxic ash per megawatt-hour along with nearly a tonne of CO₂. Gas generates roughly half a tonne of CO₂ per megawatt-hour, along with the attendant methane leakage upstream. By any sensible measure, solar panel waste is trivial by comparison. The ongoing attempt to frame solar waste as a crisis or even an issue is not only misplaced but actively counterproductive, distracting us from the far more urgent issues of climate change and fossil fuel pollution.

  • randomwords@midwest.social
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    0
    ·
    2 days ago

    But those pearls won’t clutch themselves!

    My guess who’s pushing this waste myth, the oil and gas industry.

    • sqgl@beehaw.org
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      0
      ·
      1 day ago

      What astounds me is the number of useful idiots propagating the lies who don’t even own shares.

      It is inexplicable why they want to see renewables fail so I put it down to mental illness (despising/distrusting educated stances, lumping renewables with the “woke” conspiracy).