As the use of solar systems as an alternate source of energy increases, so too does the volume of waste from decommissioned systems. While several options have been suggested as solutions for the end of life of solar systems in terms of their component elements in urban regions, there is little discussion of managing waste arising in regional areas where volumes are often below necessary thresholds. This paper discusses why solar energy systems in Australia’s Northern Territory are being removed and how they are disposed of. Results suggest that there are several social and economic reasons for their removal, as it is not just a matter of failure to generate electric power. Since solar energy generation waste is a new problem, there are few or no social mechanisms in place to manage this waste. The results of this study highlight the need for addressing this gap. This paper inquires into, and attempts to formulate an early definition of this newly emergent social problem, conceptualising it as a sociomaterial issue.

随着太阳能系统作为替代能源的使用不断增加，退役系统产生的废物量也随之增加。尽管有人提出了几种选择方案来解决城市地区太阳能系统寿命的问题，但对于如何管理其体积通常低于必要阈值的区域地区产生的废物，却鲜有讨论。本文讨论了为什么要拆除澳大利亚北领地的太阳能系统以及如何处置它们。结果表明，将其移除有多种社会和经济原因，因为这不仅仅是发电失败的问题。由于太阳能产生的废物是一个新问题，因此很少或没有社会机制来管理这种废物。这项研究的结果强调了解决这一差距的必要性。本文探究了这个新出现的社会问题，并试图对其进行早期定义，将其概念化为一种社会物质问题。