Solar projects are inherently more sustainable than fossil fuel plants due to their renewable nature and minimal environmental impact. Unlike coal and other traditional power generation facilities that depend on limited resources and emit greenhouse gases, solar uses plentiful energy from the sun without exhausting natural reserves or polluting the air.
However, solar equipment manufacturing and project development aren’t perfect. Some clean energy opponents like to criticize the industry because solar energy generation can still have some negative environmental impacts. As solar deployment continues, the market should be mindful of how we can further the sustainability of this energy source that offers so many financial and environmental benefits.
Sustainability in solar component manufacturing
Unfortunately, the solar panel manufacturing process comes with environmental concerns that aren’t to be ignored. Solar panels are made from materials like silicon, silver and copper. Mining for these rare earth elements can lead to habitat destruction, water contamination and greenhouse gas emissions. Extraction processes may be disruptive to local ecosystems and contribute to pollution.
The actual production of solar panels is also energy-intensive. Processes to purify silicon and create solar cells often rely on fossil-fuel-based power sources that can emit carbon. Certain panel technologies also involve hazardous chemicals such as cadmium and lead that must be handled carefully to avoid environmental contamination. Substantial water is also required for cooling and cleaning during manufacturing, further exacerbating water scarcity in some regions.
Transporting solar panels can also leave a carbon footprint, as with moving other products through a global supply chain. Responsible practices and improved technologies are needed to overcome these environmental challenges and minimize harmful impacts.
Aware of these issues, suppliers are exploring alternative materials and designs while developing more efficient manufacturing processes to reduce energy use. For example, recent studies show that water consumption can be reduced by up to 79% with existing circular strategies.
Expanding domestic manufacturing options can also further decarbonization with lower emission rates due to transporting over shorter distances and offering better control over production to reduce energy waste and emissions during manufacturing. Looking at the United States, current solar policies support increased local manufacturing. One report found that returning solar panel manufacturing to the U.S. by 2035 could reduce greenhouse gas emissions from panel creation by 30% and cut energy consumption by 13%, compared to 2020 when the U.S. relied almost entirely on international trading partners.
Continuing to address manufacturing-related sustainability concerns is critical for maximizing the overall positive impact of solar technology.
Sustainability in solar project construction
Solar energy offers significant environmental benefits for wildlife and ecosystems in terms of avoiding air pollution and mitigating climate change. However, we have to be careful not to counteract these positive impacts with the negative effects of project construction.
For instance, ground-mounted solar projects can involve clearing land, displacing native vegetation and wildlife. Large solar farms can create barriers to animal movement and migration and separate species from accessing food, water and shelter. Construction activities can also compact soil and alter drainage channels, which can increase erosion. Solar energy development could require as many as 5.7 million acres of land, about 0.3% of the contiguous U.S., by 2035.
Organizations such as the Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) are aware of and studying these issues, though there are siting and construction practices solar contractors can implement today to benefit local environments and host communities. Developers should assess the environmental impacts of their projects during siting and permitting and select alternative areas or consider different designs to mitigate adverse impacts. It’s also important to work with regulators to ensure projects meet federal, state and local environmental requirements and community expectations. One obvious way to avoid many effects on ecosystems is to install solar on empty roof space or brownfields that have no other use. Billions of square meters of rooftops could host solar panels in the U.S., representing one terawatt of potential solar capacity. The Inflation Reduction Act even offers a credit for adding solar to brownfields, making good use of sites that are affected by contamination.
By deploying solar strategically, professionals can ensure that they are preserving the benefits of clean energy from construction to generation.
Preparing for equipment end-of-life
Solar panels can last for thirty years or more. Right now there are hundreds of millions in use in the U.S. alone. Cumulative end-of-life PV waste in the United States in 2030 is projected to be between 0.17 and 1 million tons while there are 200 million tons of other solid waste generated each year. It’s important to think ahead and develop a strategy for their sustainable retirement over the next few decades.
Again the materials used in solar panels (cadmium, lead, etc.) can be hazardous and must be carefully managed to prevent harmful environmental impacts. If discarded improperly, they can leach into soil and water posing ecological and health risks.
Recycling programs can recover valuable materials like silicon, silver and copper to reduce the need for additional resource extraction and minimize waste. Right now, recycling infrastructure is limited and can be costly, but the industry is working on expanding programs, improving panel design for easier disassembly and creating regulations for responsible end-of-life disposal. For example, SETO’s Photovoltaics End-of-Life Action Plan outlines a multi-year strategy to establish safe, responsible and economic end-of-life practices. Continued improvements will make it easier and more cost-effective to reuse solar panel materials.
As the solar industry comes together to research, innovate and address sustainability issues, renewable energy will become even more valuable to mitigating climate change and ensuring a cleaner future. Considering the suggestions we’ve made here, think about how you can take small steps to increase sustainability in your solar work. For instance, consider selling and buying refurbished or used solar inventory on Sunhub’s Solar Trader Platform.
Explore inventory on Sunhub’s Solar Trader Platform here.