How clean is solar energy?
Why is it that, even though the U.S. invented much of modern solar technology, other countries around the world are generating more solar power than we are? In spots such as Colorado and even my hometown of Bend, Oregon, there are more than 300 sunny days each year. Why not tap into these abundant resources?
Could it be that there are concerns about how clean is solar energy?
Compared to other energy sources, solar energy does not need to be mined or transported, both of which can harm the environment. It shines right here in our own country, so global politics do not come into play. Still, PV panels are made from silica, which is not in itself hazardous, but they also include other ingredients that are mildly dangerous to health. Nonetheless, they are not more so than those associated with painting vehicles or building furniture with resins and stains.
Its helpful to know how solar panels are made when deciding how clean solar energy is.
Clean solar energy?
If you work around silica dust, you will need a mask. You won’t want to breathe it on a daily basis. Still, even if you are involved in the manufacturing of PV panels, that is much safer than nuclear, coal, or other types of energy.
Unlike other types of energy, PV panels can produce clean electricity for more than 3 decades, and it is truly home-grown power. That means that its not dependent on the state of the electrical grid (let alone utility rates and practices).
When you install solar PV panels, you should not have to worry about the cleanliness of solar energy – relative to coal-based electricity, its considerably more eco-friendly. If you are off-grid, you merely need to consider an appropriate battery unit, in which excess energy can be stored. When you do so, consider that the federal and state tax incentives and credits are applicable not only for solar panels, but also inverters and batteries.
Even if you can answer the question, “how clean is solar energy,” it may not be more widely adopted until its cost comes down. Currently in the United States, coal and other fossil fuels are genearally a less expensive resource. Yet, they will be depleted someday. And, we import a great deal of that energy, which leads to political implications.
Its time for us to put aside the preconceptions of solar power being expensive and dirty. We need to complete the shift to clean solar energy – and soon!
Tags: clean solar energy, pv panels, Solar Panels, solar power, solar technology
Clean solar energy can be a feasable reality once battery technology gets up to scratch. Presently, many solar energy systems are bogged down with discarded batteries that pose a serious polution threat.
In this article, it’s mentioned that solar energy does not require mining. It’s misleading. Silicon from which solar cells are produced comes from silica. Silica (quartz), though 2nd most abundant material on the earth crust, the useful quartz is is not so abundant. Without mining activity we cannot extract silica. When we do mining, it invariably causes deforestation. And, most disturbing fact is that coal is required to produce metallurgical grade silicon through carbothermic reduction process. So, it’s highly evident that solar energy needs mining! Then, how clean is solar energy? A greater, deeper debate is required in these lines. Of course, solar is far less damaging than other fossil fuel based energy options.
Man is always excited to use the new technologies. But he does not show the same degree of excitement to understand and thrash out the repercussions associated with it. If there’s a need to ‘mine’ it invariably means that the danger is looming. Solar is not an exception to it.
DT Barki
http://www.solarnest.net