Madison Smith- Solar Energy-- Life Saver or Ticking Time Bomb?

In recent years, there has been a rise in the use of “clean” energy sources. Unlike fossil fuels and natural gas, renewable energy does not have to be burnt and has little to no greenhouse gas emissions. One of the most popular sources of renewable energy comes from space. 

Solar power is on the cusp of explosion. As they continue to become more affordable and more efficient, homeowners are beginning to invest in solar panels as a clean energy source for their homes. (It also doesn’t hurt that the government provides a large tax cut for citizens who install solar panels on their houses.) With virtually zero emissions, a high energy output, a permanent source of solar radiation, and a 30-year lifespan, solar power seems like the perfect replacement for coal-burning power plants. Unfortunately, there are a few detrimental downsides, not to the energy itself, but to the solar panels that harness the sunlight.


Solar panels are constructed from hazardous materials such as sulfuric acid, phosphine gas, lead, chromium, and cadmium. Their composition means they cannot be recycled or stored in landfills (without protection against contamination). If solar panels are disposed of incorrectly, the lead can cause nervous system damage. Furthermore, chromium and cadmium (known carcinogens) can leak into drinking water supplies if a plan for safe disposal is not implemented. This is very discouraging because most countries (with the exception of European countries) that are advocates and avid users of solar energy have no contingency plan for solar panel disposal. Well, at least they don’t contribute to global warming, right?

The use of solar energy does not contribute to increasing greenhouse gas emissions... But in the past, the production of solar panels almost emitted enough carbon dioxide to cancel out the clean energy it provided. Technological developments have drastically reduced solar panel production carbon emissions, however, the production of the panels increase the production of nitrogen triflouride, a greenhouse gas 17,200 times more potent than carbon dioxide.

Now that you know a few more facts about solar energy, here’s a few things to think about:

Do the benefits of solar energy outweigh the downfalls?
Is there a “cleaner” way to meet the global energy demand?
What can be done to make solar power safer for the environment?

Sources:
https://www.instituteforenergyresearch.org/uncategorized/will-solar-power-fault-next-environmental-crisis/
https://news.energysage.com/recycling-solar-panels/
https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/?page=solar_environment

Comments

Anonymous said…
Every source of energy has its benefits and its risks, and even though right now, solar power is walking a fine line between the two, if further research is done, the benefits can potentially outweigh the risks. In order to advance solar panel, researchers need to find better and safer methods to dispose of solar panels. Much of the damage and the concern regarding solar panels comes from the chemicals that are spread when they are disposed of improperly. However, this does need to be the case, and solar panels can be disposed of in isolated ares where it doesn't contaminate water supplies. Moreover, in order to decrease the carbon emissions that come from producing solar panels, it will take time. We need to build and develop enough renewable energy to where the production of solar panels can come from energy from renewable energy.
April 23, 2019 at 9:35 PM
Anonymous said…
This was a very informative post on solar energy! Unsurprisingly, solar energy comes with pros and cons. While the panels are hazardous to dispose of in landfills, maybe there are other materials that they can potentially be composed of in the future. Not to mention, solar panels may not be that effective in the long run because of their high cost to purchase and install. However, it is a renewable energy source that has low maintenance costs and that reduces electricity bills.
April 24, 2019 at 6:10 AM
Anonymous said…
Renewable energy technologies are still an area under heavy development. Any new technology takes time and effort to make the most out of, and solar energy is no different. However, not only is there a necessity to make solar technology cheaper and more accessible, but I think we need to heighten solar power’s large-scale capability. As of now, solar farms are few and far apart due to their large land requirement, and solar energy is mainly used for smaller purposes. If we want to make the most out of this double-edged sword, and if we want to progress towards a better future, research and testing of these technologies are essential.
April 24, 2019 at 6:22 AM
Anonymous said…
Like any human activities, there are pros and cons to solar energy. Thankfully, solar panels aren’t the only option if the US wants to go solar. Solar panels are considered active solar energy, but there are also passive solar energies. The US can build new houses or remodel buildings to be more environmentally efficient. They can have a wall made of glass facing the south to let sun’s heat in during the winter and the roof’s overhang will protect the house from receiving too much radiation during the summer. The heat is them captured by the floor and thermal wall and slowly released when there is little heat in the building without the help of any mechanisms. This regulates the temperature in the house without having to turn on the AC or the heater, both which spends a large amount energy, therefore fossil fuels.
April 24, 2019 at 1:45 PM
Anonymous said…
The best thing about renewable energy sources is that there are so many different varieties (wind, geothermal, solar, or hydroelectric, just to name a few) that we can utilize multiple types of renewable energy. I actually was unaware that solar panels were harmful in the way that they are, but because there are so many other types of renewable energy, I think that we can put a heavier reliance onto other sources, so that scientists can develop technology to make solar panel construction and disposal more safe for the environment. Because of this, I believe that the benefits of solar energy, especially the fact that it is renewable, outweigh the downfalls and should not be viewed as any less important or impactful, despite the very valid and important points you brought up.
April 24, 2019 at 3:01 PM
Anonymous said…
It’s amazing how many renewable energy sources are available to us including solar power! Although all these renewable sources still require some research and other issues to fix, we can take advantage of all these sources to outsource the fossil fuels that are currently so present in our every day lives. For example solar power still has the issue of trying to use this on a massive scale. If we were to try and do this, we would use many acres of land for solar power.
April 25, 2019 at 7:50 AM
Anonymous said…
I think learning about solar energy in class was was very informative and gave me a lot of new information i didn’t know of before. For example, I didn’t know the disadvantages associated with solar energy, more specifically, the manufacturing of solar panels containing photovoltaic cells. The process of manufacturing can often release toxic waste as harmful toxins, such as heavy metals, are utilized in the making these solar panels. However, I think the benefits of solar energy definitely outweigh the bad. Although I don’t think it’s realistic to make a complete switch to solar energy, or even use it for more than a small percentage of the world’s electricity, it is a viable option and much better than using fossil fuels.
April 26, 2019 at 7:43 AM
Anonymous said…
The drawbacks that comes with each and every solution are always what slows us from deciding what is best for us. Most of the time, the problems comes from climate change-related issues, which shows our concern for future conditions of the planet. In order to solve such vast problem, we as a group need to come together to resolve not only the conflicts that exist between neighboring countries, but also the rapidly intensifying climate issues that are taking place all around the world. Whether it be a scientific solution or a collaborative consensus, we have to become united as a whole to save our species.
April 26, 2019 at 8:28 AM
Anonymous said…
Between the Energy Shark Tank and this Blog Post, I feel more and more that renewable energies are the solution to our impending energy crisis. However, it seems that no one source can be the solution to our problems; after all, every single one emits some kind of pollutant or harms the environment/humans. This post informed me of some things I didn’t know previously: solar energy produces zero emissions, has high energy output, is a permanent source of solar radiation, and has a 30-year lifespan. With all of these benefits, solar energy seems like the ideal solution. I believe that a combo of solar energy and other renewables (namely, wind energy) will help the world for the future.
April 27, 2019 at 6:05 AM
Anonymous said…
Solar energy can likely soon become one of the biggest producers of electricity in the world. It is clean, efficient, and renewable, and hopefully people will begin to see the benefits of solar energy. Solar, wind, and hydrogen energy are the cleanest, most sustainable sources of energy that we have right now, and I think working on these to make them more widely accepted and even more efficient can help to save the environment in future years.
April 28, 2019 at 9:18 AM
Anonymous said…
Solar energy appears to be a savior when it comes to saving the environment. Clean energy that doesn’t pollute any harmful carcinogens or particulates really does seem like the way to go. However, solar energy isn’t 100% clean if you look at the production of solar panels. Producing solar panels releases harmful chemicals into the atmosphere that diminishes the whole argument that solar energy is clean and will prevent climate change. In addition to the harmful environmental effects the production of solar panels has, purchasing the panels is pretty costly. For a limited 2 kW panel, it costs about $4,000, and for a 25 kW panel, it costs over $50,000. The environmental and economic impacts of solar energy are definitely needs for consideration before one chooses to embrace solar energy.
April 28, 2019 at 11:13 AM
Anonymous said…
Since solar power is the most abundant energy source on Earth, it only makes sense that we take advantage of this to power our electronics, water, and heat. Solar energy is cheaper than fossil fuels and many other sources of power. In fact, the price of solar panels has fallen 99% since the year 1977. These solar panels can also last 40 years or more. Although solar energy has its negative sides, such as the toxic disposal it has many positive effects that make it reliable to use as an energy source.
April 28, 2019 at 4:00 PM
Anonymous said…
This was a great post! It's interesting and paradoxical to think that renewable energy sources such as solar energy could be intended to reduce harmful pollutants, but could also require just as many fossil fuels to mass produce. We heavily advocate for the use of renewable energy, but due to a lack of research and general education about the means, we are often left with several logistical issues (ex: where/how do we dispose of solar panels?). While we do need to start looking at renewable energy sources for the future, more research needs to be done to ensure safety and efficiency of production. However, I believe that the benefits of solar energy could outweigh the cons in the near future.
April 28, 2019 at 5:09 PM
Anonymous said…
This is a very interesting post! I believe that every source of energy always has downfalls. I believe the advantage outweighs the costs. Solar energy can power electronics, lights, heat, and water. It is actually cheaper than fossil fuels as well. Solar energy releases no CO2 emissions which is great for the environment. because of global warming, we need to take all the precautions we can and reduce as much CO2 as possible. Solar energy is a great source of energy.
April 28, 2019 at 9:00 PM
Anonymous said…
Solar energy is very promising. It proves itself to be green, almost endless, and stored energy over nighttime negate that negative. Solar energy, along with being green, can also be used for sole household use. The hazardous materials that are used in creating solar panels, and the after effects that they have when being thrown away are scary, especially since bad weather can destroy them since they have to be outside. Hopefully, at least with specifically hail, a sort of protective sheet can be placed overtop of the panels to save them. Still, even when they are destroyed, this is not good. Hopefully any advancements can be made to reduce or completely stop using hazardous materials for solar panels.
April 29, 2019 at 6:29 AM
Anonymous said…
This post is a good look at what the potential downsides to the renewable energy can be. You did a good job juxtaposing the tremendous benefits green energy provides with the high cost of materials and the rarity of what is needed. I wonder how it stacks up in the long run, with how the energy is better than using fossil fuels weighed against the potential damages the carcinogens and other chemicals can cause.
April 29, 2019 at 6:30 AM
Anonymous said…
Personally, I’ve always seen solar energy as a clean, alternative energy source to fossil fuels. However, after the renewable energy project and this post, I realize how unaware I was in accounting for all of the pros and cons of solar energy. I had no idea that the production of solar panels contributed to carbon dioxide emissions—so much that it negates the clean energy that it offers—and that the incorrect disposal of panels would result in extremely dangerous health and environmental hazards. I would definitely say that solar energy are better alternatives in the long run to fossil fuels, but I think that we should prioritize and consider other options more.
April 29, 2019 at 8:55 AM
Anonymous said…
Solar energy technology is very new, and it is constantly being innovated. The current technology may not be the best, but through the basic scientific method, we will reach that technology. Solar energy today is great, but it cannot be the sole solution to our energy demand. There numerous sources of clean energy that we must use together to get passed our need for fossil fuels.
April 29, 2019 at 6:31 PM
Anonymous said…
Solar energy technology is very new, and it is constantly being innovated. The current technology may not be the best, but through the basic scientific method, we will reach that technology. Solar energy today is great, but it cannot be the sole solution to our energy demand. There numerous sources of clean energy that we must use together to get passed our need for fossil fuels.
April 29, 2019 at 6:31 PM
Anonymous said…
This was a really informative post! We have always considered renewable energy to be a great alternative but we have never considered the effects it may have. For instance, in order to make solar panels, one must use many hazardous materials. The disposal of these materials would be difficult as they can damage the area where they are disposed of.
April 29, 2019 at 7:35 PM
Anonymous said…
In its current state, solar energy may be costly and do more harm than good; however, as the energy market diversifies and the demand for renewable energy increases, it will become profitable to mass produce and install solar panels. The only question is whether the creation of the solar panel, in the future, will still emit pollution. The whole purpose of a solar panel is to decrease the societal costs imposed by pollution, but solar panels have yet to truly achieve this.
April 29, 2019 at 7:36 PM
Anonymous said…
This post was very interesting. I had already known about the possibility of solar energy replacing fossil fuels and other non-renewable energies in the future. It is very promising since we will never run out of solar energy and that it does not release any CO2 emissions whatsoever. I think with more time and research, solar energy will become a more promising alternative for the future.
April 29, 2019 at 8:00 PM
Anonymous said…
This blog post was very informational! For the Energy Shark Tank project, I researched some of the drawbacks to solar energy, and I find it interesting how a very clean and beneficial source of energy can also create detrimental consequences. In addition, to the downsides provided by the composition of solar panels and their installation/production, there is limited efficiency to solar power. You mentioned that there are no emissions, a high energy output, and a long lifespan of production associated with solar power. Although this is true, solar power can only be gathered in daylight. Furthremore, solar power is limited to location. In areas with constant rain and cloudiness, access to sunlight can be very restricted, therefore limiting the productivity of solar panels in those areas.
April 30, 2019 at 7:16 AM
Anonymous said…
With all that we have learned and the research that we have done in energy, it is evident that the not one source of energy is the real solution to the problem that we have. To sustain a good and healthy environment it is important to use a mixture of many different sources. To get to this solution we need to get last the economics of it right in the moment and make an investment for our future. Any source is going to be expensive, because the infrastructure and research is still in the early stages.
April 30, 2019 at 9:19 AM
Anonymous said…
As photovoltaic panel installations grow, so does the need for final disposition down the road. While many are looking towards recycling as a potential solution, this is difficult. Some electronic recyclers, however, are able to do this: panels are torn apart mechanically and broken down with acids to separate out the crystalline silicon, heat systems are used to burn up the adhesives that bind them to their armatures, and acidic hydro-metallurgical systems are used to separate precious metals. Unfortunately, this is a very intensive process, and the commodity value of the individual parts is not high. In order to make sure they’re ready, though, the solar industry is creating programs to train commercial recycling companies to understand what’s in manufacturers’ products and how to break them down, which could prove to have benefits.
April 30, 2019 at 4:48 PM
Anonymous said…
Any form of renewable energy comes with benefits and detriments, and given that the research and development of solar panels has been fairly recent, I’d say the original environmental cost of developing this kind of technology is to be expected. While it can unfortunately damage the environment with the potential of contamination via carcinogenic metals and harmful emissions, we can’t efficiently reach a more sustainable and less damaging production method without what could be considered an “error” period. Personally, I would say that the current benefits of solar energy outweigh the downfalls, especially when the production is carefully monitored, and as the development of solar panels improves we will likely see more sustainable production methods.
April 30, 2019 at 9:37 PM
Anonymous said…
This post was so interesting! I think every source of energy comes with benefits and risks. Currently, solar power is between the two, but further research may prove that the benefits cancel out the cons. Researchers must find a safer method to dispose of solar panels as much of the concern regarding the efficiency of solar panels comes from the chemicals that spread when panels are not safely disposed of. This issue can be resolved with further research on sustainable disposal and allow the benefits of solar energy to dominate.
April 30, 2019 at 9:56 PM
Anonymous said…
It isn’t surprising that a new form of energy creation has pros and cons. Even wind energy, one of the cleanest sources of all, still has cons, in that it is extremely expensive. It seems that a lot of these renewable sources all have similar cons, but they all have similar pros: a cleaner and more sustainable way of getting energy. I think the benefits outweigh the cons.
May 2, 2019 at 6:05 AM
Cathy Kim said…
I enjoyed reading this post! I have to agree with most of my classmates that every source of energy comes with its pros and cons. Despite the toxic waste products that come with the manufacturing and disposal of the panels, research is still being conducted to find ways to make it less toxic and safer to handle. Moreover, paying for any form of renewable energy really is expensive upfront, they prove to pay themselves off from anywhere between 5-10, saving you a great sum of money in the long run all while preserving the environment and using less fossil fuels.
May 2, 2019 at 5:13 PM
Anonymous said…
It is clear that there are many ups and downs associated with the use of solar energy, but the way I see it, it's the way to go for a more sustainable future! However, I had never considered the hazardous disposal element of it all... Nobody seems to think about how they are going to get rid of something while they are designing it, and this raises issues in many scientific communities, including the solar power industry.
May 5, 2019 at 7:35 PM
Anonymous said…
Like every energy source, solar energy comes with its pros and its cons. However, in the end, our earth needs to be saved and one major way to do that is to turn to cleaner energy sources. Fossil fuels are too harmful for the environment and solar energy is a great alternative. Although it is expensive at the beginning, I believe it will be worth it as future generations will not have to pay for the environmental consequences that come from fossil fuels.
May 6, 2019 at 6:34 PM
Meredith Miller said…
The impact one home can have from transitioning to solar energy is huge, I found that In New York, the average home uses 6,864 kWh of electricity annually. Choosing a clean source of electricity like solar panels can eliminate the same amount of carbon emissions that would result from burning about 5,000 pounds of coal each year.
May 7, 2019 at 8:48 PM
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