Is solar energy really zero emissions, clean and sustainable?
Source: https://youmatter.world/
Solar energy is not zero emissions, clean, or 100% green. But why is that if solar panels receive sun rays and generate electricity through heating without releasing any CO2 or CO2eq? Well, if we take a closer look at soalr panels life cycles we’ll realize that they make some pollution and energy consumption during manufacturing and are likely to have more once they get disposed. Producing photovoltaic panels requires minerals like copper, nickel, and cadmium. For instance, if we think of silver, its supply and demand for photovoltaic purposes are, respectively, 27billion kg and 242 million kg (in 2017) . Other minerals such as lithium or silicon are also at risk of having a demand that outstrips supply today and in the future.