Years of carbon-free electricity generation.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), a solar panel currently takes between 2 and 3 years to generate as much energy as it took to manufacture it. This period is constantly shrinking, thanks to continuous improvements in solar panel performance. Given that
the average lifespan of a solar installation is 25 to 30 years,
this means that there are just as many years of carbon-free energy production. It's a real boost for the environment and the fight against climate change!
- The production and construction of solar panels have a relatively small carbon footprint compared to their lifetime. Most of the carbon emissions associated with solar panels come from their manufacture, transport of materials and production processes. However, once in service, solar panels generate carbon-free electricity and help reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
- It is important to note that the carbon emissions associated with the manufacture of solar panels have fallen considerably over the years due to improved technologies and the growing use of solar energy. So, although solar panels have an initial carbon footprint, they reduce carbon emissions in the long term by replacing electricity generated from fossil sources.
What's more, as Greenpeace points out in this
article,... Most solar panel manufacturers guarantee a recycling rate of between 95 and 99%, whether the panels were made in China or Europe."
