Is solar energy green or is it bad for the environment? if so how?

Question

are there medical hazards or medical benefits?

Answer 1

This is an interesting question because of the way it is worded.

Solar energy itself is actually a nuclear reaction which is in reality the driving force behind global warming.  Carbon dioxide (and other GHGs) traps incident solar energy and the Earth warms.

Solar energy itself is actually completely green. Really, it is one of the pillars of life on our planet, as it drives photosynthesis and provides primary consumers with food, which in turn enables complex ecosystems to be built.

However, I believe that you are asking about whether or not the use of solar panelling is a green source of energy or not. In order to evaluate this question effectively, one would have to complete a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) on the panels for comparison against some benchmark.

I think that you will find that the energy required for the manufacturing of photovoltaic cells (solar panels) is considerably higher than expected. This is compared on what is called an Energy Payback Timeline.

As for health concerns, many photovoltaics (PVs) require the use of cadmium in their production, but that does not necessitate any heavy metal concerns for the end user.  Additionally, the burning of fossil fuels for the production of the PVs can cause respiratory problems, but no more than other industries, and, again, this isn't an issue for the end user.

Some good reading for this topic on Wikipedia that is fairly credible.

Hope that helps a little bit.

Cheers.

Answer 2

for the s

Answer 3

totally green, although, I do belive their fabrication is pretty involved. Im' sure that when the long lasting pannels are weighed in cost efficiency from fabrication to lifespan of device they are still quite green.

Answer 4

Solar energy is abundant and if good engineering is used to make efficient systems all the energy needed by humans can be obtained from solar. Its very good but at this time nothing good has been accomplished because poor engineering has been established that makes solar impractical for most  people and only available to the rich. It is just a matter of being willing to use good engineering and solar will prevail over the all alternatives.

Answer 5

Solar energy is green, definitely.  Yes it takes the necessary materials to make it but you get more back in the long run.

The thing with solar energy is that it produces very little energy and a lot of panels are needed to produce a sufficient amount of it.  Many people use it just as an extra boost and very little people make even up to 20% of energy from solar.

Answer 6

Solar energy is totally green and has sustained our planet for millions of years. Humans should use sun-block to keep from getting an overdose.

Now, when it comes to solar panels it depends on who's environment you are talking about.

If you mean THE OVERALL WORLD ENVIRONMENT every consumer product made creates stress on the over all picture. Solar panels probably create slightly less than coal plants but overall, all manufacturing is bad for the planet.

If you mean the END-USER'S ENVIRONMENT it is pretty good. Lower energy costs, less pollution in your back yard, etc.

If you mean the PRODUCERS ENVIRONMENT then it gets a lot worse. Heavy metal contamination, pollution, low working wages, air and water pollution. Making solar panels is a dirty, and ecologically expensive job.

So I guess it is up to you to decide if you want solar panels and if you want to live with the real costs of them.

Answer 7

its green, it doesnt emit any gases that would hurt the environment or people

Answer 8

green

Solar energy uses the light from the sun, which is hitting the Earth anyway to make electrical power without burning fuel or polluting in any way.

In all fairness, the manufacturing of solar cells may create some pollution, but it is more than compensated for over he life of the cells.

Answer 9

The payback on solar PV systems was 3 years. CO2 released in manufacturing the cells versus ongoing clean energy. I believe ethanol was 30 years for existing farm land, and 300 years if a forest had to be destroyed to plant the corn.

Answer 10

Currently, I am pretty sure there is nothing environmentally harmful from solar power.  It is one of the most green alternative energy sources.  It is not used wisely because right now, it is too expensive to be feasible for most energy.