Comparing the greenhouse gas emissions from solar panel manufacturing to those from fossil fuel extraction and processing reveals a significantly lower environmental impact for solar energy.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Solar Panel Manufacturing
- Carbon Footprint Range: The carbon footprint of solar panel manufacturing can range from about 37.3 to 100 grams of CO2e per kilowatt-hour (kWh) produced, largely influenced by the energy mix used in production and transportation.
- Production Process: The production involves intensive energy use in polysilicon production, wafering, and module assembly, commonly powered by coal-fired plants in countries like China.
- Carbon Neutrality: Solar panels typically become carbon neutral after about three years of operation, considering their lifetime emissions against the renewable energy they produce.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Fossil Fuel Extraction and Processing
- Higher Emissions: Fossil fuels, such as coal, emit significantly more CO2 per kWh produced. Coal mining alone is responsible for substantial greenhouse gas emissions, including methane, which has a high global warming potential.
- Lifecycle Emissions: The lifecycle emissions (extraction, processing, and combustion) of fossil fuels are much higher than those of solar panels, making solar energy a cleaner alternative.
- Comparative Emissions: For example, coal-powered electricity sources can emit about 20 times more CO2 than solar panels do over their entire lifecycle.
Conclusion: Solar panels offer a much lower greenhouse gas emission profile compared to fossil fuels. While solar panel manufacturing contributes to emissions, these are substantially offset by the clean energy produced over their lifespan. In contrast, fossil fuel extraction and combustion result in higher and more persistent emissions. Reshoring production and using renewable energy grids can further reduce solar panel manufacturing emissions.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-do-the-greenhouse-gas-emissions-from-solar-panel-manufacturing-processes-compare-to-those-from-fossil-fuel-extraction-and-processing/
