Emissions from solar panel manufacturing generally range between about 37 to 100 grams of CO2 equivalent per kilowatt-hour (g CO2e/kWh) of electricity produced over the panel’s lifetime, with typical estimates clustering around 40 to 50 g CO2e/kWh. These emissions arise primarily from energy-intensive processes like polysilicon production, wafering, and module assembly, which often rely on coal-powered electricity, especially when manufacturing occurs in regions like China. The life cycle emissions also include raw material extraction, transportation, installation, operation, and disposal, with manufacturing and materials contributing about 70% of total emissions.
In comparison, wind turbine manufacturing tends to have lower life cycle emissions per kWh generated, though precise numbers vary based on turbine size, location, and manufacturing practices. Multiple lifecycle assessments indicate wind turbines produce approximately 10 to 20 g CO2e/kWh across their lifespan, significantly less than solar panels on average.
Key Points in Emissions Comparison:
| Aspect | Solar Panel Manufacturing Emissions (g CO2e/kWh) | Wind Turbine Manufacturing Emissions (g CO2e/kWh) |
|---|---|---|
| Typical range | 37 – 100 (commonly ~40-50) | ~10 – 20 |
| Major emission sources | Polysilicon refining, wafering, module assembly | Steel and concrete production, transportation |
| Energy mix impact | Large influence due to coal-based electricity | Generally lower due to less energy-intense processes |
| Lifecycle contribution | Manufacturing ~70% of lifetime emissions | Manufacturing significant but less energy-heavy |
Thus, wind turbine manufacturing generally results in lower embodied carbon emissions per kWh of electricity generated compared to solar panels, driven largely by the high energy demand of silicon and solar cell production in solar panel manufacturing. However, both technologies produce far fewer emissions than fossil fuel-based energy sources.
Summarizing: Solar panels emit roughly 40-50 g CO2e/kWh from manufacturing and lifecycle processes, while wind turbines emit about 10-20 g CO2e/kWh, making wind turbine manufacturing less carbon-intensive relative to solar panel production.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-do-the-emissions-from-solar-panel-manufacturing-compare-to-those-from-wind-turbine-manufacturing/
