International E-Waste Day: Mythbusting Distributed Energy Resources (DERs)

Electronic waste, otherwise known as e-waste, represents any number of discarded or obsolete electronic technologies, leading to increased environmental contamination. In 2022, more than 62 million tons of e-waste were produced globally, which promises to grow with the proliferation of limited-use electronic devices. To complicate matters, research indicates that e-waste led to a 53% increase in greenhouse gas emissions between 2014-20. With International E-Waste Day coming up soon, we look at the relationship between e-waste and the distributed energy resources (DERs) needed to support the demand flexibility initiatives necessary to meet demand during the energy transition.

Forced Obsolescence

The concept of forced or planned obsolescence dates back to the early 20th century, particularly championed by mass manufacturers like General Motors. Manufacturers needed ongoing sales to meet profit margins and to accomplish this, products were made with a limited lifespan in mind. Prior to this, products were designed to last far longer, leading to decreasing sales. In the case of distributed energy resources, some obsolescence is necessary as solar panels degrade in efficiency when newer and more efficient EV charger types or battery energy storage systems become available.

Myth 1: EV Batteries Are Bad For The Environment

There are many myths related to electric vehicles. Some believe that electric vehicles are worse than combustion engines because they often pull from coal-powered plants. While it is true that in many cases EVs are powered by fossil fuels, electric vehicles have a cumulatively lower amount of emissions by virtually every metric, which says nothing of the fact that fossil-fuel plants can and will ultimately decrease in commonality. Likewise, opponents of EV batteries believe that electric vehicle batteries are toxic to the environment and that mining for the necessary elements is just as destructive.

The reality is that while lithium batteries are the most common form of EV battery, they are not the only path. For example, researchers are currently at work on a method that could utilize mining waste in EV battery manufacturing, just one of many recent startups. Furthermore, EV battery manufacturing and recycling have become a fiscal opportunity for many startups currently at work on ensuring the long-term efficacy and comparative environmental friendliness of EV batteries for generations to come.

Myth 2: Solar Panel Toxicity

One common myth regarding photovoltaic solar panels is that they are toxic to the environment. Proponents of this concept believe that toxins like arsenic, gallium, and hexavalent chromium may be present in PV modules, which could prove damaging to surrounding areas. Compounding this problem is the parallel misconception that solar panel waste will dramatically increase, which for detractors presents another red flag: if there are more photovoltaic solar panels disposed of as e-waste, then there will, in turn, be a corresponding growth in environmental toxicity.

The reality of the matter is far different. For starters, researchers point to the comparatively slow deployment of solar installations, limiting the aggregate e-waste that they could create. Likewise, as photovoltaic solar has evolved, so have building materials. Today, the majority of PV modules are developed using cadmium telluride or crystalline silicon, elements that are far less hazardous to the environment.

Mythbusting Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) Conclusion

Climate change represents an existential threat to humanity. As such, the energy transition to decarbonize and electrify is critical in mitigating the impact of climate change, and distributed energy resources (DERs) are crucial in that development. Make no mistake: there are environmental concerns as they relate to any technologies, including solar and EVs, and as we look to future International E-Waste Days, identifying these challenges remains crucial in minimizing our global carbon footprint.

About The Author

With almost two decades of leadership, growth marketing, and communication experience, Amber Mullaney drives the strategy behind Virtual Peaker's marketing initiatives. A proud Texan native, she graduated from the University of Houston with a degree in Public Relations and Interpersonal Communication. She is passionate and experienced in managing brands, product lines, marketing programs, and driving cross-functional teams.

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