Are Solar Panels More Environmentally Friendly Than Hydro

Disposal or recycling of solar panels in themselves expensive and resource intensive to produce is a problem we have not yet come to terms with and it s important for something billed as environmentally friendly.

Are solar panels more environmentally friendly than hydro.

The ultimate way to compare solar energy to fossil fuels is by cost where solar has quickly caught up with its non renewable counterparts. However cleaner options than all three of these exist. That s because while hydro provides 85 per cent of the world s renewable electricity it comes with a. The basics of hydropower haven t changed much in 120 years.

Mankind has developed a way to utilize the sun s vast energy by converting its sunlight into electricity via photovoltaics and other solar power methods. Wind solar tidal and geothermal power have more positive impacts on the environment plus they re more cost effective. In only one hour the amount of energy that shines on the earth equates to the amount used by the world s population in an entire year. Solar energy is often hailed as the most environmentally benign source of electricity and once a solar plant is in place this is arguably true.

Coal and oil are less sustainable than hydropower. It s projected that solar panel waste could reach 78 million metric tons by 2050 without a way to recycle that waste it means. Solar is a renowned clean energy source but some claim it s not eco friendly. In terms of environmental impact solar power is a much more optimal resource than fossil fuels.

In the worst case solar panels have an energy payback time of 4 1 years and will generate 8 to 12 times as much energy in their lifetime than was needed to mine the raw materials manufacture and install them. The bottom line is. Why solar powered energy is rising above fossil fuels. Recycling solar panels is still new but more companies are doing it.

So while solar power isn t a perfect solution it is much more environmentally friendly than producing electricity from non renewable sources especially coal. But getting there has more environmental impacts. This factor is what leads some experts to want to move away from hydroelectricity altogether. Yes solar panels are environmentally friendly.

Solar enthusiasts argue that as their industry gains scale and the cost of producing. Let s dispel the myths and discuss the environmental impact of solar energy. Ultimately whether or not using solar is a good idea in your community depends on variables such as solar irradiance and other renewable energy sources. Most people want to protect the planet which means more of us want to use renewable sources of energy like solar power.

In terms of reliable application coal and natural gas have the edge.