Thread: Are Solar Panels Really That Good For The Environment?

i thought this was common knowledge?

I see when you read the comments under the article somebody mentions the article is sponsered by an oil company.However, I have wondered in the past about the damage to the environment caused by the manufacture of solar panels and also recycling after they reach their use-by dates.

Interesting read though, thanks for sharing DM!!!!

Same whole of life story for aPrius battery

robbing peter to pay paul

As with most items, production and transport of goods will require energy. In many cases, as in solar panel manufacture, even chemicals and other environmental hazards are involved. There is no denying this. But then, look at the advantages: solar panels produce energy for free, for decades to come! True, they are not very efficient today, but any solar panel is more efficient than having none at all. Making use of otherwise unused area to produce clean energy is a win-win situation for everyone.
Of course one needs to take all efforts possible to minimise the ecological impact during production and removal after they have reached the end of their working life. It is still early in the day for solar energy and I trust in a few years time those questions won't be an issue anymore as production will become more environmentally friendly (most likely with assistance of governmental incentives and through pressure from lobbyists) as well as an established recycling facility (this will become economically interesting as soon as an adequate number of panels reaches the end of their service life).

Disclaimer: I am a keen supporter of solar power, having an 18kWh-installation on my property.

Originally Posted by AndyG

Same whole of life story for aPrius battery

Bloody hell mate you weren't kidding

The Prius Bad for the Environment?

The important question is: are solar panels better for the environment than coal fired power generation?

Originally Posted by KarlB

The important question is: are solar panels better for the environment than coal fired power generation?

if the answer is yes
the next question is can they replace coal fired power generation?

or, will it be cheaper? if its not cheaper, people wont uptake it

or, can we create a system where 100% of daytime consumption comes from solar without changing our consumption patterns?