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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.