Re: “Out with VY, in with natural gas and coal,” by Howard Shaffer [Voices, Feb. 1].
While we're checking some facts, let's not try to make this about solar's ability to be recycled. Most solar modules installed today will still be making roughly half their rated power 70 years from now. If that is no longer enough power to justify their place on a roof or a field, then they can be recycled.
The majority of all solar panels sold today and all panels sold for residential solar are based on silicon. Nothing is toxic in the module, and in 70 years all the elements in the modules - the silicon, glass, and aluminum - will likely have great value and be reclaimed.
Some commercial solar installations involve cadmium. Modules with this toxin and others indeed do have a plan for reclamation and are tracked by the industry and owners.