Hi:

In early studies of the life cycle emissions of PV solar panels, their emissions were reported to be comparable to those of fossil fuel technologies, while more recent studies report figures similar to those of other types of renewable energy. As the technology of the manufacturing processes of solar PV panels becomes more efficient, the emissions per life cycle of this type of technology will continue to decrease.

See the statistics of IRENA for renewable energy:

* Life cycle emissions CO2/kWh emissions from electricity generation.

Greetings.

Dr Ricardo Martínez Ramos thank you for your contribution to the discussion

Solar power produces no emissions during generation itself, and life-cycle assessments clearly demonstrate that it has a smaller carbon footprint from "cradle-to-grave" than fossil fuels. Solar panels emit around 50g of CO2 per kWh produced in its first few years of operation. By the third year of having solar panels, most solar panels become carbon neutral. This is still roughly 20 times less than the carbon output of coal-powered electricity sources. Solar panels don't produce emissions while generating electricity, but they still have a carbon footprint. Mining and transport of materials used in solar panel production and the manufacturing process represent the most significant sources of emissions. The heat content, or the amount of energy produced when a fuel is burned, is mainly determined by the carbon (C) and hydrogen (H) content of the fuel. Heat is produced when C and H combine with oxygen (O) during combustion. As a renewable source of power, solar energy has an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change, which is critical to protecting humans, wildlife, and ecosystems. Solar energy can also improve air quality and reduce water use from energy production. Here are the most common energy sources and the amount of CO2 that's emitted in order to produce them: Solar panels produce 50g of CO2 during manufacturing. Natural gas produces 117 lbs of CO2 per million British thermal units (MMBtu) during extraction and production. Oil (petroleum) produces 160 lbs of CO2 per MMBtu. For a rooftop solar system with a 30-year life, the total emissions associated with generating 1 kWh of electricity add up to 41 grams of CO2 equivalents – roughly the mass of a medium-sized chicken egg. That's nearly 12 times lower than natural gas and 20 times lower than coal.Electricity produced from solar yields no emissions, no greenhouse gases, and no fossil fuels, but it does require a certain amount of energy to make the solar panels. Luckily, the energy they produce far exceeds what it takes to manufacture them. So, we get, 1 KWh of energy generated by any solar photovoltaic power plant= 0.932 kg of carbon dioxide reduction. Taking this average value (0.932 kg of carbon dioxide emission reduction per KWh for the Solar PV plant installed in India). The carbon dioxide emission reduction= 0.932 * 6= 5.6 tons of CO2/ annum. Meanwhile, you can't have renewable without fossil fuels. Materials derived from petrochemicals are critical to the production of solar panels, wind turbines, and batteries.

Through the photovoltaic effect, solar energy produces electricity while emitting no carbon dioxide or other harmful pollutants. It is a renewable energy source. Solar panel manufacturing and disposal, however, necessitate the extraction and processing of raw materials, which can utilise energy and release greenhouse gas emissions. Pollution can be caused by a variety of elements, including the supply chain, technology, and energy sources.

Although the production of solar panels has an initial environmental cost, the long-term advantages of carbon reduction and the provision of sustainable energy frequently surpass these short-term effects. Through the creation of clean energy, a solar panel can more than compensate for the emissions produced during production over the course of its lifespan. The environmental impact of manufacturing solar panels is projected to diminish as production techniques become more effective and sustainable. The overall environmental impact of solar panels can be decreased further by recycling and ethical end-of-life management.

Dr Augustine Folorunso thank you for your contribution to the discussion

Every kilowatt of green energy can reduce your carbon footprint by 3,000 pounds annually. So, even a 5KW solar plant can save approximately 15,000 pounds of CO2 every year, making huge contributions in protecting our environment from global warming and related issues. Thus, an acre of solar panels producing zero-emissions electricity saves between 267,526 to 303,513 pounds, or 121 to 138 metric tons, of carbon dioxide per year. Solar panels emit around 50g of CO2 per kWh produced in its first few years of operation. By the third year of having solar panels, most solar panels become carbon neutral. This is still roughly 20 times less than the carbon output of coal-powered electricity sources. Solar panels emit around 50g of CO2 per kWh produced in its first few years of operation. By the third year of having solar panels, most solar panels become carbon neutral. This is still roughly 20 times less than the carbon output of coal-powered electricity sources. While at certain points in their lifecycle solar panels are responsible for carbon emissions compared to other renewable energy sources, it's still a fraction of the emissions produced by fossil fuels like natural gas and coal. Here, we take a look at the carbon footprint of solar panels. The particulate matter in the air reduces the reach of direct sunlight on solar panels and deposit builds up on panels also reduces power generation capacity. Although there is a carbon footprint associated with solar panels, the life-cycle emissions of solar electricity are around 12 times less than natural gas and 20 times lower than coal. And unlike burning fossil fuels, there is tremendous potential to further reduce the carbon footprint of solar panels.One way to know is to use the CO2 emissions per kWh calculator, which tells you the environmental impact of solar power. Experts indicate that the lifetime emissions from solar energy are about 48 grams of carbon per kWh, making it one of the top earth-friendly energy sources since it is renewable. Here are the most common energy sources and the amount of CO2 that's emitted in order to produce them: Solar panels produce 50g of CO2 during manufacturing. Natural gas produces 117 lbs of CO2 per million British thermal units (MMBtu) during extraction and production. Oil (petroleum) produces 160 lbs of CO2 per MMBtu. Solar power produces no emissions during generation itself, and life-cycle assessments clearly demonstrate that it has a smaller carbon footprint from "cradle-to-grave" than fossil fuels. Solar panels don't produce emissions while generating electricity, but they still have a carbon footprint. Mining and transport of materials used in solar panel production and the manufacturing process represent the most significant sources of emissions.

Solar energy does not produce any carbon emissions or greenhouse gases when it is operating. This is because solar panels do not burn fossil fuels to generate electricity. Instead, they use the sun's energy to create electricity.

The production of solar panels does, however, have a carbon footprint. This is because the manufacturing process requires the use of some energy and materials that produce emissions. The amount of carbon emissions produced during the manufacturing of solar panels varies depending on the type of solar panel and the manufacturing process used.

A study by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that the carbon footprint of solar panels is about 50 grams of carbon dioxide per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity generated. This is significantly less than the carbon footprint of fossil fuels, which is about 820 grams of carbon dioxide per kWh of electricity generated.

The carbon footprint of solar panels is also declining as the technology improves and more efficient manufacturing processes are developed. A study by the Solar Energy Industries Association found that the carbon footprint of solar panels has decreased by 80% since 2008.

Overall, solar energy is a very low-carbon energy source. The carbon emissions produced during the manufacturing of solar panels are relatively small compared to the emissions avoided by using solar energy instead of fossil fuels.

Here are some additional things to consider about the carbon footprint of solar energy:

• The carbon footprint of solar energy can be further reduced by using recycled materials in the manufacturing process and by installing solar panels in areas with a lot of sunshine.
• Solar energy can also help to reduce air pollution. Solar panels do not produce any emissions that contribute to smog or acid rain.
• Solar energy is a renewable energy source, which means that it will never run out. This makes it a sustainable option for generating electricity.

Dr Murtadha Shukur thank you for your contribution to the discussion

Solar power produces no emissions during generation itself, and life-cycle assessments clearly demonstrate that it has a smaller carbon footprint from "cradle-to-grave" than fossil fuels. One way to know is to use the CO2 emissions per kWh calculator, which tells you the environmental impact of solar power. Experts indicate that the lifetime emissions from solar energy are about 48 grams of carbon per kWh, making it one of the top earth-friendly energy sources since it is renewable. The particulate matter in the air reduces the reach of direct sunlight on solar panels and deposit builds up on panels also reduces power generation capacity. Here are the most common energy sources and the amount of CO2 that's emitted in order to produce them: Solar panels produce 50g of CO2 during manufacturing. Natural gas produces 117 lbs of CO2 per million British thermal units (MMBtu) during extraction and production. Oil (petroleum) produces 160 lbs of CO2 per MMBtu. Fabricating the panels requires caustic chemicals such as sodium hydroxide and hydrofluoric acid, and the process uses water as well as electricity, the production of which emits greenhouse gases. It also creates waste. So, even though solar panels do have a carbon footprint, their emissions simply do not compare to fossil fuel equivalents. And, unlike fossil fuel use, your solar panels really do pay off their carbon footprint while also saving you money. Reduce your carbon footprint - Solar electricity is green renewable energy and doesn't release any harmful carbon dioxide or other pollutants. A typical home solar PV system could save over a tonne and a half of carbon dioxide per year. Renewable energy sources which are available in abundance all around us, provided by the sun, wind, water, waste, and heat from the Earth – are replenished by nature and emit little to no greenhouse gases or pollutants into the air.

Solar energy being renewable using sun's irradiation to convert to electricity, it is aptly termed green energy, however fabrication materials do pose some contribution to pollution, disposing millions of solar panels at end of life posses a serious environmental issue. Methods to find efficient ways for disposal of these panels have to be devised.

Dr Naim Alamgir thank you for your contribution to the discussion