Cadmium-bearing solar panels, like those manufactured by Tempe-based First Solar, got an exemption from Restrictions on Hazardous Substances by the European Union Council, according to a report on Solar Server. First Solar's Cadmium-Tellurium thin film solar panels are dramatically lowering the cost of photovoltaic solar power worldwide. GE has also just jumped into the market. The concerns over the use of mildly toxic cadmium prompted First Solar to implement a solar module recycling program. [right, Cd-Te photovoltaic array. Credit, National Renewable Energy Lab]