Are Rare Earth Elements Used In Solar Panels

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Are rare earth elements used in solar panels. A new report by the french environment and energy management agency ademe shows that rare earth minerals are not widely used in solar energy and battery storage technologies. For reference the term rare earth elements designates 17 mineral materials with exceptional properties that have become strategic materials ever since the digital boom. Environmental scientists and solar industry leaders are raising the red flag about used solar panels which contain toxic heavy metals and are considered hazardous waste. These compounds which are highly toxic when mined and processed also take a heavy environmental toll on soil and water.

Mining for rare metals is considered to be one of china s most polluting industries presenting potential disasters relating to contamination that threaten to cause a wide scale catastrophe. Currently marketed photovoltaic solar technologies do not use rare earths. Revision of solar panel production process. A shortage of rare earth metals used in everything from electric car batteries to solar panels to wind turbines is hampering the growth of renewable energy technologies.

And rare earth. Terbium and europium are used in thin film solar panels while dysprosium is used to manufacture batteries in most hybrid gas electric. Rare metals are especially vital for renewable energy technologies such as electric cars and solar panels. Solar panels have a very limited impact on the environment.

Researchers are now working to find alternatives to these critical elements or better ways to recycle them. By depleting earth of its resources solar energy is not sustainable as the components required are limited. Contrary to popular belief no rare earth elements are used in manufacturing solar panels. Of the commonly used batteries only nickel metal hydride nimh batteries contain a rare earth alloy on the cathode but.