Thoughts on Solar Panels
Their Environmental Impact
Solar panels can be considered sustainable because they generate electricity using renewable energy from the sun, which is a virtually unlimited resource. Unlike fossil fuels such as coal and oil, which are finite resources that can be depleted over time, the sun's energy is expected to remain available for billions of years.
In addition, solar panels do not emit any greenhouse gases or pollutants during their operation, which reduces the environmental impact of electricity generation. This is beneficial for reducing air pollution, mitigating climate change, and promoting sustainable development.
However, like any technology, solar panels do have some environmental impact. The manufacturing process for solar panels requires energy and resources, and can generate waste and emissions. Additionally, the materials used in solar panels, such as silicon, silver, and copper, are not infinitely abundant and can have environmental impacts associated with their extraction and processing.
Overall, while solar panels are not completely without environmental impact, they are generally considered to be a sustainable energy option due to their ability to generate electricity from renewable energy sources without emissions or pollution. To maximize the sustainability benefits of solar panels, it's important to consider factors such as the materials used in their manufacture, their end-of-life disposal, and their overall life cycle environmental impact.
Savings and Lifespan
Although the federal tax credit and additional rebates or incentives can lessen the expense, the cost of solar panels can be significant. However, considering that they’re designed to last for multiple decades, solar panels can more than pay for themselves.
When you’re doing your research for this sustainable energy source, it’s important to factor in how long solar panels typically last. The industry standard for most solar panels’ lifespans is 25 to 30 years. Most reputable manufacturers offer production warranties for 25 years or more.
The average break even point for solar panel energy savings occurs six to 10 years after installation. If the panels continue to produce at a high level for another 15 years after that, you will end up saving thousands of dollars during the solar panels’ lifespan.