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Solar energy is renewable, meaning that it does not require fossil fuels (a finite resource) to be produced. Traditional forms of electricity that consist of burning coal or natural gas, emit harmful greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, that contribute to a warming atmosphere. As humans attempt to reduce their emissions in order to mitigate the harmful impacts of climate change, solar energy is a critical technology that can be deployed to create cleaner energy.
Despite solar energy's numerous benefits, it is critical to understand that the technology does have particular environmental impacts. In order to create some larger scale, utility solar arrays, land must be cleared. These land use changes may disrupt local plant and animal habitats. Some of the materials that solar panels are made of are toxic, and thus must be properly disposed of once the panel is at the end of its useable life.
Despite solar energy's numerous benefits, it is critical to understand that the technology does have particular environmental impacts. In order to create some larger scale, utility solar arrays, land must be cleared. These land use changes may disrupt local plant and animal habitats. Some of the materials that solar panels are made of are toxic, and thus must be properly disposed of once the panel is at the end of its useable life.
Understanding Climate change
Understanding Climate change
Renewable energy helps to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases being emitted into the atmosphere, the main driver of climate crisis. These videos provide explanations of climate change, including its causes and effects, as well as potential solutions.
Reduced Greenhouse gas Emissions
Reduced Greenhouse gas Emissions
According to the EPA, in 2019 approximately 25% of greenhouse gas emissions were attributed to electricity production. This accounts for the second largest share of emissions after transportation. 62% of electricity was generated by burning fossil fuels like coal and natural gas.
Where is electricity being used?
Where is electricity being used?
This pie chart indicates where electricity is being distributed and the associated greenhouse gas emissions. We can see that 31% of total greenhouse gas emissions by electricity in 2019 can be attributed to the residential and commercial sector. With the introduction of rooftop or community solar programs, we can effectively reduce the environmental impact we have when we power or homes or businesses.
Photo credit: V.T. Polywoda
Mitigating air pollution
Mitigating air pollution
Burning coal or natural gas in order to generate electricity can result in harmful air pollution that can pose human and environmental health threats. When solar panels generate energy, they are not emitting any harmful pollutants into the atmosphere.
Land Use
Land Use
As mentioned previously, larger scale solar arrays can result in habitat disruption. Additionally, land that has been dedicated to solar energy generation has limited alternate uses. This issue can be addressed by siting solar arrays on brownfields or along transportation corridors. Rooftop solar panels are actually a positive use of existing surface area and space.
Life-cycle emissions
Life-cycle emissions
While the generation of solar energy itself does not include any emissions, the processes by which solar panels are built, transported, assembled, and disposed of have emissions associated with them. While it is possible to reduce these emissions throughout the life-cycle of solar panels, it is critical to note that current processes do result in some emissions, although not nearly as much as traditional forms of energy production.
HarmfuL materials
HarmfuL materials
When PV cells are being fabricated, a number of hazardous chemicals are used to clean the semiconductor surface. Some thinner PV cells contain harmful materials that necessitate protocols surrounding handling and disposal.
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