Are Solar Panels Environmentally Friendly

Let s dispel the myths and discuss the environmental impact of solar energy.

Are solar panels environmentally friendly.

Although solar energy is a clean alternative to fossil fuels making the panels themselves can have a negative environmental impact. While solar panels are considered a form of clean renewable energy the manufacturing process does produce greenhouse gas emissions. 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. Sunpower and solarworld are two top us based solar panel manufacturers and produce some of the greenest solar panels available to us customers.

While there is no doubt that solar energy is a clean form of energy questions loom around the actual green index of solar panels. Solar is a renowned clean energy source but some claim it s not eco friendly. With an average annual growth rate of 50 solar energy is experiencing a major surge in popularity in green circles. Disposal or recycling of solar panels in themselves expensive and resource intensive to produce is a problem we have not yet come to terms with and it s important for something billed as environmentally friendly.

It s projected that solar panel waste could reach 78 million metric tons by 2050 without a way to recycle that waste it means. Workers install solar panels in california. They follow specific standards for ensuring their products are environmentally friendly and are working to continuously mitigate their carbon footprint. Yes solar panels are environmentally friendly.

This is a nagging question that remains at the back of every eco conscious citizen s mind. In fact many of the renewable energy sources that are in vogue today leave a detrimental impact on the environment. When you use solar energy in your home you lower your overall greenhouse gas emissions like carbon dioxide and you reduce your carbon footprint. Recycling solar panels is still new but more companies are doing it.

Most people want to protect the planet which means more of us want to use renewable sources of energy like solar power.