Solar is an efficient means of reducing carbon emissions and fighting climate change. It comes in third by producing 4.5% of the world’s electricity, right after Hydro and Wind. However, there are discussions regarding its CO2 emissions in manufacturing. Join us as we uncover the reality behind the carbon footprint of solar panel manufacture and how it correlates with other energy sources.

Carbon Footprint of Solar Panel Manufacturing

PV panels have a nearly non-existent carbon footprint, around 40 grams per kWh of electrical energy produced. This only comes from the manufacturing process of making, installing, maintaining as well as disposal of the panels. The energy produced by PV panels is almost 100% clean and the emissions mentioned previously are countered by this clean energy in around 3 years. It has almost 12 times much less exhaust than gas and also 20 times much less than coal.

Are Solar Panels Carbon Neutral?

Yes, as discussed in the section above, solar panels are completely clean when they produce electrical power, however, the same cannot be said about their manufacturing. Nevertheless, it has various advantages regarding its greenhouse gas (GHG) lifecycle. It generates far more power than the CO2 it gives off throughout its operation over its 30 to 40-year lifetime.

As solar manufacturing ranges up the production of panels will certainly rise, it will include power usage along with carbon exhausts. Nevertheless, the lasting renewable resource outcome makes a persuasive instance for their duty to accomplish carbon neutrality.

Solar CO2 Emissions Per kWh

Carbon Footprint of Solar Panel Manufacturing

Figuring out an accurate number can be a bit tricky as it depends on several factors such as power intake, ecological effects as well as varying global disclosure policies relating to CO2 matching (CO2e) discharges by suppliers. 

1. Materials 

Around 660 grams of silicon is required to make a single photovoltaic panel, this results in the release of around 6.0 kg of CO2e per kilo.

Photovoltaic panels include solar batteries made from silicon as well as metals such as silver, copper, indium, tellurium, plus lithium for batteries. Their extraction adds to contamination plus greenhouse gas exhausts. 

Also, check out How Much Energy to Make a Solar Panel?

2. Types of Panels 

There are 2 major kinds of photovoltaic panels: monocrystalline and polycrystalline. Both are composed of silicon cells however their Solar CO2 emissions per kWh are very different.

  • Monocrystalline cells: These generate more emissions as the process of making one single-crystal silicon is more complex.
  • Polycrystalline cells: These produce less emissions as the process of fusing silicon crystals does not consume much energy. 

3. Service Life of Panels

Although the average lifespan of PV panels is around 15 to 30 years, most of the time they are replaced quite early due to damages or new technology. This leads to the generation of more electronic waste from transportation and recycling.

4. Manufacturing Facility Power Source and Usage

Panels created in manufacturing facilities powered by non-renewable fuel sources like oil or gas have a greater carbon impact. On the other hand, those made in centers utilizing primarily or specifically renewable resource resources have a lower carbon impact.

5. Recycling End-of-Life Panels

The solar sector encounters substantial difficulty in reusing decommissioned panels as damaging them into multiple-use products can be harmful as a result of the toxic substances associated with their manufacturing. All the same, initiatives are underway to minimize this carbon effect.

6. Transportation of Solar Panels

Air transportation has a substantial carbon impact and also ground transport builds up emissions gradually. While transport adds much less to the carbon footprint than various other aspects, it still remains a significant worry. 

Cross-reference: Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Solar Photovoltaics

Are Fossil Fuels Used to Make Solar Panels?  

Yes, fossil fuels are used in manufacturing solar panels. Though they are not used for generating energy from solar panels, the overall manufacturing process includes the use of non-renewable resources. Steps requiring fossil fuels include mining, building, and transportation. However, PV panels are covering up for using these resources by harnessing sunlight on a large scale.

Also See: 15 Red Flags to Identify Solar Panel Companies To Avoid 

Are Solar Panels Made from Coal and Quartz?

solar panels carbon neutral

No, solar panels are not directly made from coal or quartz but from crystalline silicon (c-Si). Coal and quartz are two basic materials used in the production process as silicon is extracted from quartz through smelting. In this process, quartz is heated with coal, oil or timber.

Although some of the solar panel frames, back sheets and junction boxes might be made from coal-derived PVC. This procedure causes the release of CO2 and also various other contaminants right into the environment.

Nevertheless, coal and quartz are not the only products associated with photovoltaic panel production. Various other processes consist of refining the silicon, producing wafers, creating cells, as well as setting up modules. These processes additionally need power as well as sources. 

Overall, the carbon footprint of solar panel manufacturing has a very minimal impact on the environment. As the manufacturing process goes through more advancements and uses green energy, these emission figures can be further lessened. For more such interesting content, keep reading our blog posts.

Recommended: What is Heterojunction Solar Panel: Working and Benefits

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Olivia is committed to green energy and works to help ensure our planet's long-term habitability. She takes part in environmental conservation by recycling and avoiding single-use plastic.

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