Typhoon Danas Damages Solar Panels in Taiwan, raises concerns about water quality

Strategic Insights -

Typhoon Danas, a powerful storm that struck Taiwan last week, has left a trail of destruction in its wake, including the damaging of approximately 145,000 solar panels in Chiayi and Tainan. The Ministry of Economic Affairs reported that the total weight of the damaged panels is about 2,800 tonnes, with Chiayi suffering the most significant losses. In Budai Township, about 50,000 panels installed over fish farms were destroyed, leading to concerns about the potential impact on water quality. However, tests conducted by the Environment Ministry showed that the water quality is within acceptable standards.

Key Takeaways:

  • Approximately 145,000 solar panels were damaged in Chiayi and Tainan, with a total weight of about 2,800 tonnes.
  • Budai Township was hit hardest, with about 50,000 panels installed over fish farms destroyed, totaling about 95 megawatts of installed capacity.
  • Power generation has dropped by approximately 38 MW due to the partial damage to solar panels.
  • The Environment Ministry conducted tests for heavy metal content in the water and found non-detectable levels or concentrations within acceptable standards.
  • Discarded solar panels are classified as general waste and are non-toxic, according to the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
  • Taiwan Photovoltaic Industry Association stated that solar panels feature aluminum frames and solar cells encapsulated in glass, with all contact surfaces made of non-toxic materials.
  • Duan Rou-yong, an associate professor at Hungkuang University's Department of Environmental and Occupational Safety Engineering, said that solar panels contain no liquid and will not leak toxic substances if damaged, but may release metal ions after prolonged immersion in water or exposure to corrosive chemicals.
  • Taiwan's total electricity generation last year was 289,173 gigawatt-hours, with solar power contributing 5.3% of the nation's total electricity generation.
  • Renewable energy, including solar power, accounted for 11.7% of the nation's total electricity generation.

Statistics:

  • 145,000: Number of solar panels damaged in Chiayi and Tainan
  • 2,800 tonnes: Total weight of damaged solar panels
  • 114,000: Number of solar panels damaged in Chiayi
  • 2,200 tonnes: Total weight of damaged solar panels in Chiayi
  • 31,000: Number of solar panels damaged in Tainan
  • 600 tonnes: Total weight of damaged solar panels in Tainan
  • 95 megawatts: Installed capacity of solar power systems over fish farms in Budai Township
  • 38 MW: Reduction in power generation due to partial damage to solar panels
  • 289,173 gigawatt-hours: Taiwan's total electricity generation last year
  • 5.3%: Percentage of solar power in Taiwan's total electricity generation
  • 11.7%: Percentage of renewable energy in Taiwan's total electricity generation

Sources:

  • Ministry of Economic Affairs
  • CNA
  • Chiayi's Economic Development Department
  • Environment Ministry
  • Taiwan Photovoltaic Industry Association
  • Duan Rou-yong, Associate Professor at Hungkuang University's Department of Environmental and Occupational Safety Engineering
  • Administration data on Taiwan's electricity generation