The growth of solar energy continues, but what happens when the lifespan of solar panels ends?
Solar energy has experienced steady growth in recent decades, becoming the fastest-growing source of electricity for 19 consecutive years. In 2024, solar energy already represents 6% of the global energy matrix, up from 1% in 2015, and this trend is expected to continue to rise in the coming years.
The decreasing production costs are one of the main reasons behind this growth. In the last 15 years, costs have been reduced by over 80%, enabling the massive installation of solar systems worldwide. In 2023, 447 gigawatts (GW) of power were added, more than five times the total energy generation capacity in Mexico.
China has led global solar energy production, increasing its generation capacity by 253 GW in 2023, bringing its total capacity to 656 GW and covering around 10% of its electricity demand. Other countries such as Australia, Japan, India, Chile, and Brazil also stand out in the production and consumption of photovoltaic energy.
The challenges of solar panels at the end of their lifespan
Despite the many benefits of solar energy, there are significant challenges at the end of the lifespan of solar panels. Panels currently installed have a lifespan of about 25 years, and once that time has passed, they generate a large amount of waste that must be properly treated.
One of the main issues with discarded solar panels is that they contain heavy metals, which can be hazardous if not handled properly. Furthermore, the recycling of these panels is still under development and not always economically viable for manufacturers or owners. This results in many panels ending up in landfills, which can contribute to soil and water contamination if not managed safely.
The recycling process is also costly, making large-scale implementation challenging. As solar energy continues to grow, this challenge is expected to worsen, highlighting the need to find more sustainable solutions for managing solar panels at the end of their lifespan.
Where does this lead us?
Solar energy is undoubtedly one of the most promising solutions for reducing dependence on fossil fuels and combating climate change. However, the increasing volume of solar panels at the end of their lifespan poses an environmental challenge that must be addressed. For solar energy to be truly sustainable, it is essential to improve recycling technologies and properly manage the waste generated, ensuring that the positive impact of this energy source is not overshadowed by long-term issues.
