All too often, politicians propose solutions to problems whose actual existence can be questioned. Such is not the case when thinking forward with respect to the disposal of certain solar panels when their usefulness has expired. This specific subject matter of future protection/sustainment of Maine’s pristine environment prompted my introduction of L.D. 826, “An Act to Prohibit the Disposal of Certain Solar Panels in the State and to Require Bonds to Cover Disposal Costs.”

According to cancer biologist David H. Nguyen, Ph.D., toxic chemicals in solar panels include cadmium telluride, copper indium selenide, cadmium gallium (di) selenide, copper indium gallium (di) selenide, hexafluoroethane, lead, and polyvinyl fluoride. Silicon tetrachloride, a byproduct of producing crystalline silicon, is also highly toxic. In view of that, I sought to make it illegal to place toxic waste in our landfills until the State creates a proper toxic waste disposal plan for solar panels.

Typically, solar panels are recycled at general-purpose glass recycling facilities, where their glass — and sometimes their metal frames — are recycled, while the remaining components are tested then thrown away or burned. Unfortunately, they also sometimes end up in landfills — and many recommend that when they must be discarded, they should be disposed of as hazardous waste. As Maine does not have a recycling plant for solar panels, I am pleased solar company decommissioning must now include the recycling of the waste components of the solar energy development.

Rep. Michael H. Lemelin

(R-Chelsea)

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