The Impact Of Making Solar Panels

Photovoltaic pv solar cells or concentrating solar thermal plants csp.

The impact of making solar panels. Solar panels produce zero emissions once installed on your roof which means their environmental impact is negligible for most of their life. 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. Solar panels often contain lead cadmium and other toxic chemicals that cannot be removed without breaking apart the entire panel. Although materials do vary between different types and brands of solar panels most contain toxic materials somewhere in their design.

However solar panels aren t zero emissions resources for their entire lifetime as they have to be manufactured in a factory first as well as recycled at the end of their useful life. Solar energy systems power plants do not produce air pollution water pollution or greenhouse gases. 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. More solar means a reduction of toxins in the air causing health problems from asthma to headaches to cancer.

Solar power doesn t pollute the air. Most people overlook the impact that the materials they are made from can have on the environment. It also means less exacerbated greenhouse effect slowing the effects of climate change.