• FireRetardant@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    2
    ·
    6 months ago

    The solar panels in my area are often in empty fields that could have been forests, farms, or houses with panels on the roofs. The panels still contain minerals mined from the earth, which has an impact. Broken panels will still have to be disposed of safely and ideally recycled, either way creating an impact.

    If we let the rules of captialism continue to control our mindset of course we will continue to use more and more energy, just like companies expect more and more growth and profits.

    • gandalf_der_12te
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      6 months ago

      Solar panels consist mostly of Silicon, which is the most abundant material in earth’s crust. There’s really no “mineral” whose mining causes fewer problems. And i put “mineral” in quotes because it’s not your typical mineral that you have to dig up to use.

      Also, solar panels are entirely non-toxic, making their safe disposal a non-problem.

    • I_Has_A_Hat@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      2
      arrow-down
      2
      ·
      6 months ago

      My God, they cut down forests, destroyed farms, and tore down houses to build those solar panels?! Or were the empty fields they were in just empty beforehand? So despite that land being put to good use, you’re upset because… What?