In which way does the production of photovoltaic panels affect the environment and what are the environmental impacts of solar energy?
I have seen many of your questions. You could find lot of answers for thin-film solar cells in this latest article.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772940023000218
Ironically enough, solar panel production is reliant on fossil fuels. It also involves mining for precious metals, which contributes to greenhouse gasses and pollution. Solar energy technologies and power plants do not produce air pollution or greenhouse gases when operating. Using solar energy can have a positive, indirect effect on the environment when solar energy replaces or reduces the use of other energy sources that have larger effects on the environment. Solar cells, also called photovoltaic cells, convert sunlight directly into electricity. Photovoltaics (often shortened as PV) get its name from the process of converting light (photons) to electricity (voltage), which is called the photovoltaic effect. After the initial energy payback period, solar panels generate carbon-free energy without consuming any for 20 to 25 years with proper maintenance and cleaning of the panels. Like all other renewable energy sources, solar energy and PV cells have intermittency problems. It means it's not continuously available for converting into electricity like during night-time and during cloudy or rainy weather. 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. Solar energy is a clean and renewable source of power, which significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional fossil fuel-based energy generation. By embracing solar energy, companies in India can reduce their carbon footprint, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment. The environmental problems directly related to energy production and consumption includes air pollution, climate change, water pollution, thermal pollution, and solid waste disposal. The emission of air pollutants from fossil fuel combustion is the major cause of urban air pollution. The environmental impacts related to energy production include climate change, acidification, impacts on waterways, and waste production. Some types of PV cell technologies use heavy metals, and these types of cells and PV panels may require special handling when they reach the end of their useful life. Some solar thermal systems use potentially hazardous fluids to transfer heat, and leaks of these materials could be harmful to the environment. Overall, solar energy has a positive environmental impact compared to traditional energy. It lowers carbon emissions, reduces our dependence on finite natural resources, and helps fight climate change.
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