Taiwan Solar Association Threatens Legal Action Over Water Quality Claims
Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- The Taiwan Solar Power Industry Association will pursue legal action against false claims that floating solar panels affect water quality.
- The association stated that floating solar power is an internationally mature trend and that domestic tests confirm modules meet drinking water standards.
- They urged the public to rely on official data and statements, noting that similar unfounded rumors have circulated previously.
The Taiwan Solar Power Industry Association is threatening legal action against what it calls "smear" campaigns questioning the water quality impact of floating solar panels. The association asserts that floating solar power is a globally established technology and that rigorous testing by domestic manufacturers like United Renewable (3576) and Neo Solar Power (6443) confirms their modules comply with drinking water standards.
Despite previous clarifications from industry associations, government bodies, and manufacturers in July and October of the previous year, renewed doubts have surfaced online following a drop in the water level at Tainan's Wushantou Reservoir. The association expressed regret over the resurgence of these "untrue online rumors," emphasizing that their data objectively proves solar power is non-toxic.
To further allay concerns, the association highlighted a five-year experiment where solar panels were submerged in aquaculture environments. The results showed no adverse effects on fish populations, which not only survived but also reproduced, with their numbers increasing. The association reiterated its commitment to defending the industry's reputation against persistent misinformation and will take legal steps if necessary, urging the public to consult verified data rather than succumbing to annual cycles of unfounded claims.
In the future, if there are any untrue remarks that cause damage to the company's reputation and image, we will reserve the right to legal prosecution and will take further legal action when necessary to defend the reputation and integrity of the enterprise.
Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.