The impact of solar energy on the environment

Published on : 22 April 20202 min reading time

Solar energy is the energy sent by the Sun through light and heat. This energy does not run out over time, which is why it has been classified as a renewable energy. The energy is taken up and converted directly into electricity from the light source by photovoltaic panels. It comes from a direct change in a semiconductor from a photon to an electron. Apart from the positive elements linked to the lack of performance of photovoltaic systems, this energy meets very well the needs of remote regions whose connection to the electricity grid is too expensive. Photovoltaic solar energy is also called photovoltaic energy.

Solar energy and the environment

Solar energy, like other types of energy, is green energy, i.e. it is very low in pollution. Solar power plants and photovoltaic panels produce electricity directly from solar energy. The environmental consequences are mainly related to the stage of manufacture, methods of transport, installation and recycling of these materials. The transformation of solar energy into electrical energy does not produce any pollution. The consequences of using silicon in the manufacture of these panels is heavy. Indeed, silicon factories send a lot of CO2 into the air. Nevertheless, efforts are being made to replace these materials by other, more ecological ones. In order to reduce the level of land pollution, companies and community organizations are making efforts to recycle waste. According to a recent study, it would take one to five years for a system of this type to generate more energy for its manufacture. Placed on the ground, solar panels can significantly change the appearance of the exterior and transform vegetation by placing barbed wire on land. The solution would be to build corridors to allow animals to move around.

Impact of energy consumption on the environment

Today, energy consumption is the greatest concern of industrialized countries, as it is increasing. It has a significant impact on air pollution, thus causing the greenhouse effect to multiply, leading to global warming. This global warming is likely to cause the polar ice caps to thaw, raising sea levels and flooding coastal regions and some islands. Animal species are also threatened. Within a few years, more than 20% of the species assessed to date could disappear.

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