Solar Energy Environment

When they are in operation, solar energy technologies and power stations do not emit any greenhouse gases or air pollution. When solar energy is used to replace or reduce the use of more harmful energy sources, it can have a positive and indirect impact on the environment. There are also environmental concerns associated with the production and usage of solar energy technologies.

Solar energy technology requires the use of metals and glass that require a lot of energy to produce. When conducting life-cycle, or so-called "cradle to grave environmental analyses", it is possible that solar energy systems could have an impact on the environment. Numerous studies by researchers and organizations have shown that PV systems can produce as much energy as the equipment used in its manufacture within a period of 1 to 4 years. The operating life of most PV systems is up to 30+ years.

To avoid exposure to the environment, there are some hazardous chemicals that are used in making photovoltaic panels and cells. Some PV panel technologies contain heavy metals. These types of panels and cells may need special handling once they have reached the end of their useful lives. Certain solar thermal systems may use potentially dangerous fluids to heat transfer. The leakage of these fluids could cause damage to the environment. The United States has laws that regulate hazardous material disposal. The U.S. Department of Energy supports various efforts to address end-of-life issues that relate to solar energy technologies. This includes the recovery and recycling of materials used in the manufacture of PV cells and panels. Many states have passed laws encouraging the recycling of PV panels.

Large solar power plants, like any other type of power plant, can have an impact on the surrounding environment. The long-term impacts of clearing land to build the power plant and their placement may be detrimental to the habitats and species of native animals and plants. Farmers may reap a number of economic and environmental benefits by installing solar energy systems or integrating solar energy systems onto farms.

Water may be required by some solar power plants to clean solar collectors, concentrators, or cool turbine generators. The ecosystems that depend upon these water resources may be affected if collectors are cleaned in large quantities of groundwater or surface water. Additionally, insects and birds can be killed by the concentrated sunlight that a Solar Power Tower produces.

 

Top Solar Provo

Provo, UT

(385) 316 4460