Environmental impact of solar energy

Solar energy forms one of the cornerstones of clean alternative power solutions, and with the difficulties of fossil fuels growing larger by day, it may represent a viable solution to world’s energy problems. Its environmental impact constitutes one of its primary selling points, and the more effectively it can function, the better its chances of supplanting fossil fuels as main source of energy are. Through largely positive, the environmental impact of solar energy can be subtle and its overall effect should be carefully considered as our efforts to explore its potential move forward.

The best thing about solar energy in terms of its environmental effect is that it produces almost no carbon emissions of greenhouse gases. It doesn’t burn oil, it doesn’t produce toxic waste, and its lack of moving part in some systems reduces the chances of an environmentally devastating accidents. The only pollutants which factor into solar power are those involved in the construction and transportation of these parts, but even that ranks it among the cleanest forms of energy on Earth. Implementing solar energy on a large scale would reduce its environmental footprint to a tiny fraction of its current levels.

Solar power is also environmentally advantageous because its energy supply never runs out. Sunlight will always shine upon the Earth and, as long as it does, hold energy which solar technology can exploit. Contrast this with fossil fuels such as coal or oil, which need to be mined of drilled and thus have a tremendous environmental impact, even in comparatively safe circumstances.

The photovoltaic cells which constitute most solar energy systems are usually made of silicon, one of the most common minerals found on Earth. That means that creating the components is extremely easy, doesn’t require mining or drilling in a dangerous locale to produce, and can be acquired without involvement in politically unstable areas such as the Middle East. The environmental effects of this are subtle but, because fewer resources are expended in the acquisition of silicon, its overall effect on the ecosystem is reduced.

Considering the materials used in solar panels, cadmium is used in cadmium telluride solar cells as a semiconductor to convert solar energy into electricity. Though used in very small amounts, it is extremely toxic and can build up in a given ecosystem if it isn’t monitored. Firms which make this kind of solar cell often instigate recycling programs so that damaged or unusable cells don’t damage the surrounding environment.

Solar panels are not as efficient as they could be, and that is one the reasons why they have not been widely implemented yet. To capture appreciable amounts of energy, they require large number of cells, which can take up a considerable amount of space. One practical solution is to mount the cells on a rooftop, which saves a lot of space while still allowing them to maximum exposure to the sun.

Speaking of large-scale power plants, they need large amount of land – approximately one square kilometer for every 20-60 megawatts (MW), which could be additional problem, especially where wildlife protection is in concern. However, this problem in not unique to solar power plants. Generating electricity from coal actually requires much more land per unit of energy delivered.

Solar thermal plants also require cooling water, which may be costly or scarce in desert areas.