Solar energy sources and power plants don’t generate air pollution or greenhouse gases during operation. Solar energy has an impact positively and indirectly on the environment as solar energy is used to replace or decrease the consumption of other sources of energy that can have more impact on the environment. But, there are environmental concerns associated with the use and production of solar energy technology.
Solar energy technologies require using certain materials, like glass and metals, that require a lot of energy. Environmental concerns associated with manufacturing these materials may be related to PV systems for energy when performing life-cycle or “cradle to grave” ecological analyses. Research conducted by various researchers and organizations has shown that PV systems produce the same amount of energy utilized to build the system within 1 to 4 years. The majority of PV systems run lifespans of 30 years or more.
Harmful chemicals are employed to create photovoltaic (PV) panels and cells, which must be handled with care to prevent release into the environment. Certain types of PV cell technology use heavy metals. These varieties of PV panels might require special handling once they have reached the lifespan limit. Specific solar thermal systems make use of potentially harmful fluids to transfer heat. The leakage of these materials can endanger the environment. U.S. environmental laws regulate the disposal and use of toxic substances. The U.S. Department of Energy is assisting in various initiatives to tackle end-of-life problems related to solar energy technology, including recycling and recovering the materials used to make panels and PV cells. Several states have passed laws to encourage recycling of PV panels.
Like any other power plant, huge solar power plants can impact the natural environment around their location. Land clearing for construction and the positioning of the power plant could affect the habitats of native species of plants and animals. However, putting solar power systems in areas with low agricultural value, as well as integrating the solar power system into farms, could bring a range of environmental and economic advantages for farmers.
Some solar power plants require water to clean the solar concentrators, collectors or to cool turbine generators. Using large quantities of surface or groundwater to clean collectors in some dry regions could harm the ecosystems that depend on these water sources. Additionally, the intense sunlight beam that a Solar power station produces can cause death to insects and birds who fly into the shaft.