What Are Solar Panels?
Solar panels are devices that turn sunlight into electricity. They are placed on rooftops or in open areas to collect the sun’s energy during the day. Many people use solar panels because they produce clean electricity and do not pollute the air.
After a large nuclear accident in 2011, Japan wanted to use safer energy. Since then, the country has added many solar panels to homes, schools, and solar farms. Today, solar power is an important part of Japan’s energy system.
The Problem: Old Solar Panels
Solar panels do not last forever. Most work well for about 20 to 30 years. After that, they stop working and need to be removed. In the next 10 years, many of the panels installed in Japan will become solar waste.
Experts believe that by the mid-2030s, Japan will have to deal with 500,000 to 800,000 tons of used solar panels every year. Some of these panels contain dangerous materials like lead, which can harm the environment if they are not thrown away properly.
Japan’s New Recycling Plan
To fix this problem, the Japanese government is planning a new recycling law. This law will require people to recycle solar panels instead of throwing them away.
The recycling process will be shared by the makers and the owners. The companies that make and sell solar panels will help pay for recycling. The people who own the panels will pay to remove them. The government will choose special recycling centres to make sure the work is done safely and correctly.
Why This Plan Is Good
This new law will help Japan stay clean and green. It shows that planning for the future is just as important as using clean energy today. Other countries with solar panels may use Japan’s plan as a model to help protect the environment in the future.
