The debate about whether or not solar energy is a better environmental choice continues to rage on between people who are either all for or all against the renewable energy resource. While many different factors come into play when looking at the validity of the arguments from both sides, it’s hard to imagine any instance where using a renewable energy resource could be bad for nature or Earth as a whole! That’s not to say that those who truly believe in the power of solar panels think it’s a perfect solution. However, the positives may vastly outweigh any negatives. To figure out whether solar power is actually good for the environment, let’s first get to know the process behind its power, and any positives and negatives involved.
How does solar energy work?
Solar radiation – that’s the type you can feel on your body on a hot day – is a form of light, also referred to as electromagnetic radiation. It’s emitted by the sun across the entire globe, though of course each part of the Earth sees the sun at different times. At its most basic, solar power uses capture technology to harness this radiation into one spot and then convert it to power.
There are two types of solar energy: photovoltaics (PV) and concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP). The most commonly known type is photovoltaics, as it uses solar panels to capture the energy from the sun. When the sun’s rays hit a solar panel, the light is absorbed into cells in the panel and transformed into electrical charges. These charges cause electricity to flow because of an internal electrical field within the cells of the panel.
The second type, concentrating solar-thermal power, uses mirrors instead of panels to reflect the light onto specific receivers that are able to collect and convert the solar energy into heat. This heat is then used to produce electricity. PV solar energy is more likely to be used in a residential or commercial setting, whereas CSP is often used to power large power plants.
Does solar energy have a negative impact on the environment?
There are upsides and downsides to everything, and solar power is no exception. From an environmental standpoint, there are actually various arguments that solar is in fact just as bad for the environment as other sources of power that have demonstrated their large eco-footprint for the last century.
The first argument has to do with the amount of power used to set up solar power systems that are efficient enough to use for years to come to make it all worth it. When setting up a solar energy system, mining, manufacturing, and transportation impacts to the environment need to be taken into consideration. Quartz, which is used in the production of solar power systems, needs to be processed, cleaned, and manufactured alongside other components such as aluminum and copper to create each solar module.
Certain hazardous chemicals are also required in the production of solar energy. The chance that these chemicals are disposed of properly is high, but in some instances they may not be.
There are also recycling issues that could occur in the future. Thinking ahead, it’s clear that when solar systems need replacement panels, not every country will have the means to properly recycle the old panels, thus making them a part of the future waste and recycling problem.
The positive environmental impact of solar energy
To look on the bright side of things (if you’ll pardon the pun), there are several positive environmental impacts involved in the use of solar energy as opposed to other energy types. They include:
Less air pollution
Other forms of energy, such as fossil fuels, create a ton of pollutants that end up in the air you breathe. The use of solar energy can eliminate the need for fossil fuels and the air pollution that goes along with them.
A reduction in water usage
The overuse of fresh water is becoming a serious issue, and the International Energy Agency has projected that by the year 2040, there won’t be enough to handle global energy needs. While that’s a scary thought, the use of solar energy may be a helpful piece of the solution puzzle when it comes to fresh water usage, as solar energy doesn’t require the use of any water.
Can eliminate non-renewable energy resources
Non-renewable energy sources are just that: non-renewable. This means that when the last resources are used up, there will be no more. Using solar energy could help eliminate the need for non-renewable sources altogether, which would restore balance and provide an overall brighter future for the human race.
Helps in the fight against climate change
The constant release of pollutants and CO2 from the energy sources used today is a huge contributor to climate change. The use of solar energy, however, can help minimize both pollutants and CO2. The climate’s changing conditions could benefit massively from a switch to solar power.
Pays for itself
While the use of power to get solar energy systems manufactured, transported, and set up can be high upfront, over time, the effect on the environment decreases so vastly that from an environmental standpoint, solar energy saves enough to pay for itself. On average, the energy payback for the use of solar panels is roughly one to two years.
While it may be easy to see solar energy as the government’s way of making money from yet another new technological advancement, there’s no denying that it truly is just better for the environment. Why not look into kitting out your home with solar for a more sustainable future?
