30% of US Solar Farms Hold Dangerous Chemicals Nearing Expiration

Over 30% of the US solar panel market uses cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin-film modules containing toxic cadmium and tellurium. As older panels reach end-of-life, about 90% end up in landfills, where rainwater can leach toxins into groundwater.

• CdTe panels account for over 30% of the US solar market
• Over 8.8 million tons of PV waste expected by 2030
• 90% of expired panels go to landfills because dumping is cheaper than recycling
• Cadmium is classified as carcinogenic; tellurium can damage organs