Is The Manufacture Of Solar Panels Environmentally Friendly

Workers install solar panels in california.

Is the manufacture of solar panels environmentally friendly.

Most people want to protect the planet which means more of us want to use renewable sources of energy like solar power. Solar is a renowned clean energy source but some claim it s not eco friendly. The bottom line is. As an environmentally conscious consumer you can make a positive impact by requesting information from installers concerning the manufacturers of their products.

Although solar energy is a clean alternative to fossil fuels making the panels themselves can have a negative environmental impact. Now a new solar process utilizing nanoparticles has the potential to nearly double the energy output per unit area of solar panels. Researchers are calling them the world s most efficient and environment friendly solar cells currently most photovoltaic pv cells are produced with silicon usually combined with a plastic laminating layer. Let s dispel the myths and discuss the environmental impact of solar energy.

In the worst case solar panels have an energy payback time of 4 1 years and will generate 8 to 12 times as much energy in their lifetime than was needed to mine the raw materials manufacture and install them. While solar panels like other electronics contain and are manufactured using toxic materials measures can be taken to minimize negative effects. As clean energy spreads more of the energy used for solar panel production will itself be generated from renewable sources reducing the lifecycle emissions of solar panels even more.