Solar waste crisis looms
Story by Gadget • 12h
In a race against the clock to avoid complete grid collapse, South Africa is experiencing a dramatic surge in solar energy adoption.
While only 4% of homes had solar panels in November 2023, the market has experienced explosive growth. Fuelled by a staggering 184% increase in renewable energy equipment imports just in the second quarter of 2023, South Africa is scrambling to harness the power of the sun, but this rapid shift presents a unique challenge: ensuring a sustainable solar future while the nation teeters on the brink of an energy crisis.
Shining a Light on Solar Waste
A recent webinar by the Sustainable Recycling Industries (SRI) tackled a hidden danger behind South Africa’s booming solar energy use. With tonnes of solar panels being imported, experts warn of a future wave of hazardous waste. The problem? South Africa lacks proper systems to reuse, recycle, or even dispose of these panels responsibly.
The webinar aimed to shed light on critical topics such as:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/solar-waste-crisis-looms/ar-AA1q0Mbq?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=HCTS&cvid=c8d241740de344c1919bd1cbf257ee9a&ei=65
