Solar Energy ArticlesSolar Panels Exempted From a Possible Ban Solar panels are known for the green and cleanest form of energy that can be harnessed by us till date. However, a deep insight to the manufacturing processes that govern the production of the solar panels shows a different and ugly side of solar panels. The solar panels make use of extensive resources that are non-renewable for its production. In addition to that, the condensing and the air cooling systems that are required in the fabrication of the silicon wafers in solar panels consume a lot of energy. Release of toxic materials in the industries adds further. Viewing all these conditions, it was decided that the solar panels would face a possible ban due to their nature of environmental hazards. This article highlights the same. It all started as an initiative of the European Union. The European Union ministers voted against the solar panel ban. This comes as a possible surprise due to the above mentioned effects they cause on the environment. But there is a strong reason that governs such voting decisions. The ban was uplifted in the electrical goods section whereas other electrical goods were not provided any relaxation for their toxic emissions. This proved to be a great sigh of relief for the market leaders of solar panels. The greatest advantage was derived by a solar panel company called as First Solar so that they keep on selling their products when there is so much scope to expand in the markets of the world. There have been many revisions in the European Union laws and regulations. There has been a new regulation where the European Union law generally imposes a ban on six of the hazardous substances if they are generated during the manufacturing of electrical and electronic components. Cadmium is one such substance. Now, First Solar samples when tested for cadmium resulted out to be positive. Hence there is the ban. Hence there was a low hit in the solar panel segment because this US based company is a market leader all around the world with no competition at all. The European Union was trying to maintain the standards imposed by it to sustain its ambitious targets. This is applicable in the areas of renewable energy and energy efficiency. The ban came with a condition that First Solar has to emit the possibility of cadmium as a byproduct in case it wants to continue selling solar panels in markets. The restrictions had to be complied with. This was the brief outcome of the statement issued by the European Ministers after the voting process. The ban, however, caused an easy relaxation to the solar panels manufacturing from First Solar. This is mainly due to the promising nature of the products of this company. Firstly, this company manufactures solar panels that make use of sunlight to convert it into electricity. Sun's energy, available in abundance when harnessed into usable form of energy will pose a lot less pressure on the non-renewable form of fossil fuels like coal and petrol. The solar panels also come up with a great warranty period. An average lifetime of solar panel would be not less than 25-30 years. This means that solar panels, once they occupy markets of the world, shall hardly render any sales, thus causing a reduction in the manufacturing drive once when market penetration is up to its maximum and it reaches saturation. However, the ban will continue to be applied to all other electrical and electronic equipment. This includes cables as well as the other spare parts. The ban on the solar panels however is lifted due to the promising future that is provided by them to render a greener and cleaner environment to the future generations. Related articles
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