What is the truth about Solar Panels and their impact on the environment?
I'm sure you've heard of solar panels at least once, maybe you already have them or maybe you would like to use this renewable energy source. But what are the advantages of this tool?
What are Solar Panels?
Solar panels exploit the sun's rays to produce renewable energy, without emissions and therefore without pollution; in addition to being eco-friendly, it is also a way to save on bills, given that the solar source is used directly, and the energy is not purchased from a central body that produces it. However, a distinction must be made between thermal panels, which heat water and the home, and photovoltaic panels which instead produce electricity.
The panels can be of different types, based on the material with which they are produced they can absorb more or less energy from the solar energy and consequently generate more or less energy in turn; obviously, the less expensive types are less performing. Here you can read more about: https://www.eia.gov/
Is fuel better?
Despite the ease of use and the convenient price, the production of electricity using a petrol generator involves a transformation of a movement generated by the internal combustion engine into an action that powers a turbine. To operate, the combustion engine produces pollution, exhaust gases and noise, not allowing the installation of this generator in closed environments.
As with the diesel generator, it is a product that requires careful periodic maintenance if you want to keep the generator running. Finally, the cost of this fuel can be quite high and it must be available nearby or always available under penalty of stopping the generator itself.
How does it affect the environment?
The use of solar systems is a green alternative to other forms of energy: it allows the production of energy with low environmental impact, without the use of fossil fuels which emit harmful substances into the atmosphere that cause pollution, the greenhouse effect, and climate change.
Solar renewable energy is an infinite resource, at least until the Sun goes out, we can use the energy that arrives on our planet at will. The combination of the Sun and energy, i.e. the quantity of energy from the Sun, would be able to meet our total energy need.
The cost of photovoltaic systems is low when compared to that of other energy supply systems, furthermore, they can last up to 25 years if not more. While the initial cost may be high, it is true that the profit is guaranteed within 5 or 10 years, after which you will be able to benefit from a significant cost cut on your bill. Solar systems are easily dismantled and the reuse of photovoltaic panel components is guaranteed up to 95% with very low photovoltaic environmental impact consequences. Here is a website you can consult: https://www.tesla.com/solarpanels
Too good to be true!
Like everything, this one seems perfect, but it has its flaws. In fact, at the moment the yields of photovoltaic and thermal systems are low. It is possible to produce about a third of the energy that could theoretically be produced.
The first-generation cells, which are the most common, have an efficiency of around 33%, while for example, a wind turbine can have an efficiency between 40 and 50%). The installation area must be rather large with a low concentration of sunlight. In addition to causing a certain impact on the landscape, the plants could remove land useful for other purposes, such as agriculture.
Recently, we have opted for the construction of solar plants in peripheral areas and on land that could not be used for other purposes. This is the case of plants built on the outskirts of the desert, on land unusable by man and with a high density of solar rays.
There is discontinuity of the resource and inability for large accumulations. At the moment the biggest problem linked to the use of solar energy concerns its discontinuity. The sun is not always there, the sky can be cloudy, and night alternates with the day.
Solar energy storage and development batteries are currently not able to guarantee energy coverage large enough to solve the problem. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the advantages and disadvantages of a photovoltaic system.
Can it damage the environment?
Technically no, or at least not during their operation; in fact, toxic or explosive substances are used in the production process which require the presence of safety systems to protect workers and the environment. Even in the case of malfunctioning solar energy production systems, the risks are very similar to those of any industrial plant which has limited risks at a local level.
The risks vary depending on the type of panel produced. For example, the production of the crystalline solar panel involves the processing of chemicals such as trichlorosilane, oxychloric phosphorus, and hydrochloric acid. In the production of the amorphous panel, we find silane, phosphine, and diborane.
In other productions, hydrogen selenide and cadmium are used, which are highly toxic and have a strong impact on health. Solar energy research is moving toward new materials and technologies with lower environmental impact as well as towards a closed-cycle industry that deals with the maintenance and reuse of panels rather than production, but there is still a long way to go because photovoltaic energy has become truly clean.
So, what is better?
Each technology has advantages and disadvantages, clearly if we want to help the environment we must have a high budget and pay attention to the materials used, the production, and the durability of any system. Like any system, the eco-friendly field still has a lot of work to do so that prices can fall, but due to the climate emergency we cannot wait and continue to pollute. There are many options available when it comes to choosing an electricity generator. The right choice depends on your specific needs and your ecological conscience.
Alpha Solutions
At Alpha Solutions you will find a trained and efficient staff in any job you are looking for, from graphics to writing to translation. Customer satisfaction comes first for us and of course also the happiness of our employees. If you are interested in more articles, you can check out our blog: https://alphasolutions.pw/blog/
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