Is solar energy really emission-free, renewable, and long-term? How much has it expanded in recent years? What’s the problem with it? Let’s take a look. Solar energy, as you might know, is a form of renewable energy that is generated using resources that replenish faster than humanity absorbs them.
For the first time in history, clean energy accounted for more than two-thirds of global net electricity growth (178GW). Solar photovoltaics (PV) capability grew at the fastest pace of all renewables (97GW), particularly in China. Indeed, the United States, the European Union, China, India, and Japan are the countries pressing the hardest for solar energy expansion. The best solar panel company will always guide you about ways to optimize your energy needs with solar systems.
Pros
It’s not really polite to say that solar energy is evil, particularly as compared to other fossil-fuel-based energy sources. It does, though, have certain pitfalls that should be considered. We should begin by recognizing that solar energy is not zero-emissions, renewable, or 100 percent environmentally friendly.
But why is that, since solar panels absorb the sun’s rays and use heat to produce energy without producing CO2 or CO2eq? When we look at the life cycles of solar panels, we can see that they produce waste and consume electricity during the production process, and they are likely to produce even more until they are discarded.
Despite the high cost of solar panels, one report claims that after 5.23 years of generating power, they would have paid for the energy needed to construct the installation. According to an Irish paper, solar panels pay for themselves in 19.3 to 34.4 years, based on the amount of clean energy feed-in-tariff applied.
Furthermore, studies indicate that electricity produced by photovoltaic solar panels is more environmentally friendly than electricity generated by fossil fuels. These calculations, however, are based on the area of manufacturing, since a panel manufactured in China, for example, will have a carbon footprint up to twice that of a panel produced in Europe.
Cons
Solar energy is not without flaws. Making photovoltaic panels uses a lot of electricity which necessitates the mining of finite Earth minerals, which has a lot of negative consequences.
Panels also only generate electricity at peak hours, when photovoltaic capacity exceeds 1000 watts. This means that solar panels can generate power for an average of 4 to 6,5 hours a day (in the best U.A.E. states), even though the sun is shining all day.
Solar PV technology that lowers carbon emissions by powering mines and mineral processing sites, as in Australia and South Africa, is also a smart idea. To reduce the risks associated with mining operations, stricter legislation and good governance practices are also important.
Get in touch with the best solar panel companies in Pakistan to help you know all pros and cons for your business at best usage and deploy cost effective services for your needs.