In the Developing World, Solar Is Cheaper than Fossil Fuels

[hunter]

2. The rechargeable batteries these systems use are a beastly problem.

The least expensive solar lighting systems and cell phone charging stations use NiCads or Lead Acid batteries. These batteries don't last long and become toxic waste if they are not properly recycled.

In many parts of the world lead acid batteries are "recycled" by cutting them open, dumping the acid on the ground, and "refining" the lead by hammering it or by melting it in open crucibles. The problem with NiCads are similar. They are simply thrown away to decompose in the environment, or worse they are recycled and end up in the cheap jewelry which sometimes makes it's way to places like Wal-Mart.

NiMH and Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries are less toxic, but they are more expensive and require more sophisticated charge controllers.

Solar is dirty when done cheap.