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Writer's pictureLaura Alliss

Going Green: The Environmental Benefits Of Solar Energy

Photovoltaic Solar System

As concerns around climate change and protecting our environment continue to dominate conversations on a global level, it’s no surprise that people are demonstrating a healthy interest in the potential of solar energy. 


Solar panels use photovoltaic cells to capture energy from the sun and convert this energy into electricity. Solar panels don’t need direct sunlight in order to produce electricity, which is why they are such a versatile and sustainable form of renewable energy, particularly if systems have integrated batteries that can store energy to be used outside of daylight hours. 


Reducing Carbon Footprint 


Every time we use fossil fuels, high levels of pollutants are released which can cause ecological damage and impact our health. As solar energy systems don’t produce greenhouse gases or air pollution when they are operating, solar panels are a much more environmentally friendly alternative to the forms of energy production we have relied upon for so long. 


To highlight just how powerful an impact the switch to solar energy can have on our environment, research suggests that solar panels can reduce a higher level of carbon emissions than trees when looked at on a per-acre basis. But that’s not all they can do to help protect our environment.


Conserving Water and Protecting Our Ecosystems


Traditional energy production methods use large amounts of water throughout the process, including to cool generators and transport fuel through pipes. Research shows that to produce 1,000 kWh of electricity, coal power plants use more than 500 litres of water. Our water reserves can be better conserved by switching to solar energy, which doesn’t require any water to generate power.


A global reliance on oil has led to oil spills, which can cause catastrophic damage to coastal communities and delicate marine ecosystems. Although instances of tanker spills have reduced over the decades, in 2023 2,000 tons of oil was lost to the environment. While corals, shellfish and fish may not be immediately exposed to an oil spill, over time, contact with oil in the water column can result in impairment to reproduction, fin erosion, and respiration issues, which means that each oil spill has both a short and longer-term impact. By switching to more sustainable methods of energy production, we can reduce the risk of spilling oil into our oceans from deep-sea drilling platforms and tankers. 


Ecosystems and Biodiversity 


Individual solar panels can only produce a certain amount of electricity, which is why at-home solar panel systems are usually made up of multiple panels. The precise number of solar panels you will need will depend on the size of your property and your energy needs, but as an estimate around 16 solar panels is necessary to meet the energy needs of a 1,500-square-foot property


While large-scale solar developments clearly require a lot of land, there is evidence to suggest they also benefit our natural world. Solar parks or solar farms typically cover between one and 100 acres of land, as a lot of space is required to generate large amounts of electricity. It’s worth noting here that planning permission is generally only granted for solar farm developments of brownfield sites, which aren’t suitable for food production and therefore won’t have a negative impact on the UK’s agricultural sector. 


Notably, solar farm developments provide landowners with opportunities to diversify their income, particularly as farms and parks can be constructed to allow animals to graze between rows of panels. Additionally, several studies have shown that solar farms and parks can benefit our wildlife, with sites often having more species of birds, insects and plants than fields without solar panels. Solar developments are generally managed in ways that provide important habitats for wildlife to breed and forage.


Solar Energy and Pollution 


While solar energy systems produce significantly less pollution than other forms of energy generation, it would be irresponsible to deny that any pollution occurs. 


Many of the materials used in solar panels are produced using energy-intensive processes, while others are classed as hazardous and may have an indirect impact on our environment. Additionally, some greenhouse gases are emitted during both the transportation of solar panel systems and the installation process. 


However, there are studies showing that solar panel systems produce enough energy to offset the energy that is used during their manufacturing process within four years which, given that systems have a lifespan of around 30 years, is very positive. 


Improved Recycling Solutions For Solar Panels 


Regardless of the manufacturer, solar panels generally last for between 25 and 30 years. There are a number of reasons why solar panels become defunct, including power loss, glass breakage, cable failure and optical failure. 


As the number of solar panel systems increases and more systems start to reach the end of their lifecycle, the sector is working on developing better and more sustainable recycling solutions. This is important because, without proper solar panel recycling, solar panel waste in landfill could amount to 60 million tons by 2050


In the UK, many homeowners can arrange for systems with up to 16 solar panels to be recycled free of charge, which is really positive given that most materials in solar panels can be repurposed and reused in the manufacturing process of new panels. 


If you are ready to invest in solar panels to reduce your carbon footprint, it is important to spend some time selecting the right installer for your needs, so don’t be afraid to delve into the sustainability credentials of your chosen team. Green Flare is dedicated to environmental sustainability and helping homeowners to invest in a greener future.

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