Solar Energy Panels Environmental Impact

Photovoltaic pv solar cells or concentrating solar thermal plants csp.

Solar energy panels environmental impact. Environmental impact of solar energy is net positive. Whilst there are numerous impacts to consider many people consider solar energy to be an environmentally friendly way of generating electricity. In 1970 the average energy payback time for solar panels was 40 years. These include helping to reduce the levels of greenhouse gases we produce during energy production.

By 2010 that number had dropped to just six months. Solar energy comes with its own environmental challenges regarding land use water consumption emissions and the use of hazardous materials. Let s shine a light on those environmental impacts and determine if the good outweighs the bad when it comes to solar energy and the environment. Using solar energy can have a positive indirect effect on the environment when solar energy replaces or reduces the use of other energy sources that have larger effects on the environment.

The potential environmental impacts associated with solar power land use and habitat loss water use and the use of hazardous materials in manufacturing can vary greatly depending on the technology which includes two broad categories. Yes vast amounts of energy are required to mine manufacture solar panels and yes chemicals are used during the manufacturing process. Solar power is not perfect but overall it provides a positive net environmental impact and financial impact. This not only helps to reduce the impact of man made climate change but it can also help to improve the quality of the air we breathe.