TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Economic Affairs said Wednesday that Typhoon Danas damaged approximately 145,000 solar panels in Chiayi and Tainan, with a total weight of about 2,800 tonnes.
In Chiayi, roughly 114,000 panels were damaged, totaling about 2,200 tonnes. Budai Township was hit hardest, with approximately 50,000 panels installed over fish farms destroyed, per CNA. In Tainan, about 31,000 panels were damaged, weighing around 600 tonnes.
According to Chiayi’s Economic Development Department, the total installed capacity of solar power systems over fish farms in Budai township is about 95 megawatts. Due to the partial damage, power generation has dropped by approximately 38 MW. The department has designated a public site in the township for the temporary storage of the damaged panels.
Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming (彭啟明) said some people were concerned that damaged solar panels falling into fish farms could leak toxic substances and affect water quality. In response, the ministry dispatched personnel on Monday to conduct tests for heavy metal content in the water. The results showed either non-detectable levels or concentrations within acceptable standards.
Peng stressed that discarded solar panels are classified as general waste and are non-toxic. He added the ministry has instructed operators to complete disposal within one and a half months.
Taiwan Photovoltaic Industry Association noted that solar panels feature aluminum frames and solar cells encapsulated in glass. The association added that the back of the panels is sealed with materials similar to those used in water pipes, ensuring all contact surfaces are made of non-toxic materials.
Duan Rou-yong (段柔勇), 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. He added that only after prolonged immersion in water or exposure to corrosive chemicals might they release metal ions.
The administration added that Taiwan’s total electricity generation last year was 289,173 gigawatt-hours. Of that, hydroelectric power accounted for 1.1%, thermal power for 83%, nuclear power for 4.2%, and renewable energy for 11.7%. Solar power contributed 5.3% of the nation’s total electricity generation.
