Solar Panels - Kill One To Save A Thousand?

I read a post recently about the dark side of solar panels... that it produces tonnes of wastages from its manufacturing processes.

When I see the post, I just couldn't resist to put my comment to it.

Have you heard of this quote "Kill one to save a thousand"?

The solar panel production is just one of these things that does so.

Let's not only looking into the solar panel manufacturing process, try to look at it at a broader picture.

In the process of solar panel manufacturing, there's different chemicals being used, and highly toxic waste is the byproduct from this results. (also note that the silicon tetrachlorite can be recycled and handled safely)

But, a typical solar panel can last for over 25 years. Which means it will generate electricity that is needed for 25 years, WITHOUT buring coal!

Researches shows that for every single unit of power that we use, the coal power plant use 3 unit of raw power (ie coal, gas etc). And that means tonnes of green house gases.

As more and more BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaic) system is being installed, which transmission is highly efficient, every single unit of power generated by solar power is producing 3 times its contribution to reduction of green house gases.

So, if we look at the benefits of solar power, it really outshines the dark side of the manufacturing process.

I must say, while energy efficiency is still the cheapest way to cut down carbon footprint, there are still lots of things that we can avoid to use energy. In this kind of circumstances, it will be better to use green energy.

Let's hope that the solar panel manufacturers can soon produce solar panels in a more effective ways with more competitive pricing. And, we will all benefit from it.

Have a Green day ahead.

Mark
Way2Green
P/S : Let me find some cool gadgets to share next time. :)