As South Carolina embraces solar energy, there are concerns about whether it is a wise long-term investment, especially with decreasing government support.
• Overview of Solar Energy in South Carolina: While solar energy is often seen as a clean solution, challenges such as high installation costs without subsidies and future decommissioning expenses arise.
• Costs Without Subsidies: Building a typical 100 MW solar farm costs between $80–120 million. Without federal incentives, solar electricity can be more expensive than natural gas in the region.
• End-of-Life Costs for Solar Farms: Solar panels typically last 25 to 35 years. Upon decommissioning, the estimated costs for removal, restoration, and disposal can reach $2.5–5 million for a 100 MW project.
• Recycling Challenges: Recycling solar panels is often inefficient and costly, leading many to end up in landfills. South Carolina lacks the infrastructure for large-scale recycling.
• Financial Risks: If a solar company fails, local governments or landowners may be left with cleanup costs. Enforcing decommissioning bonds is crucial but not always guaranteed.
Recommendations
For solar energy to be a wise investment, the following should be prioritized:
• Require decommissioning bonds for cleanup.
• Encourage the use of recyclable technology in manufacturing.
• Keep solar initiatives voluntary rather than mandatory.
• Ensure solar is paired with reliable backup energy sources.
Solar energy has potential for South Carolina's future, but it is essential to consider hidden costs like decommissioning and recycling. Wise planning and financial safeguards are needed to avoid making it a burden on taxpayers and landowners.
https://samueleburns.substack.com/p/the-hidden-costs-of-solar-is-it-really
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