Solar energy has been gaining popularity over the years as a clean and accessible source of electricity. With the prices of solar panels dropping drastically, it’s easy to see why more Filipinos are drawn to this technology.
From just 1 megawatt in 2010, the Department of Energy reported that the country had a total installed solar capacity of 1.04 gigawatts (GW) in 2020, and 1.67 GW in 2023. This upward trend in the adoption of solar technology is bolstered by the downward movement of its prices. In 2021, solar photovoltaic (PV) modules were already 80% cheaper than they were in 2011. And more accessibility means even more solar customers. In Cebu, it seems everyone from the provincial government and the commercial sector to residential communities and private homes are turning to solar to cut down on electricity bills and be “greener.” It’s a win-win for everyone, right? Not quite.
As with any other technology, solar energy is not without its flaws. Several criticisms have been raised against it, particularly about how it may be costing people more than just money. It begs the question: just how green is solar energy?
The Carbon Footprint of Solar Energy
At first glance, it may seem like solar energy has no carbon footprint. After all, it produces electricity without emitting any greenhouse gases. However, the truth is that the production of solar panels does have an impact on the environment. Raw materials need to be mined, transported, and processed before they can be assembled into solar cells. And unfortunately, most of our economies still rely on fossil fuels to power these processes.
According to a life cycle assessment, which takes into account the emissions associated with the entire production process, solar panels emit around 40 grams of CO2 equivalent per kilowatt hour generated. While this may seem low compared to other energy sources like natural gas (500 grams) or coal (1000 grams), it is still higher than wind power.
It is important to note that solar energy has been becoming more and more efficient over time. This means that as technology improves and the shift towards renewable energy sources continues, solar energy’s carbon footprint will decrease even further.
The Use of Rare Earth Materials in Solar Panel Manufacturing
Rare metals like indium and tellurium are used to manufacture solar cells. Because these are simply by-products of refining base metals such as copper, zinc, and nickel, these are produced in smaller quantities, creating an imbalance between supply and demand.
Until such time as more sustainable materials can be substituted in creating solar cells, this current situation may create a larger impact on the world’s metal resources.
Toxic Chemicals in Solar Panel Production
Another criticism that solar energy faces is the use of hazardous chemicals in the production of solar panels. For example, silicon refining produces silicon tetrachloride, which can be harmful to the environment and human health if not properly disposed of. The cleaning process for solar wafers also involves the use of hydrofluoric acid, a highly corrosive substance that needs to be handled with extreme caution.
The good news is that there are alternatives to these hazardous chemicals, and advancements in technology have made them more accessible and affordable. By performing alternative chemical assessments, manufacturers can identify safer alternatives and make the switch. As consumers, we can also pressure companies to prioritize sustainability and use non-toxic materials in their production processes.
Management of Old Solar Panels
Solar panels have a lifespan of around 30 years before they need to be replaced. And as the use of solar energy continues to grow, so does the amount of old panels that will need to be disposed of eventually. Currently, there are around 250,000 metric tons of discarded panels globally, but by 2050, this number is expected to reach 78 million metric tons.
While this may sound alarming, it is important to note that solar panels are highly recyclable. It is now mandatory for manufacturers in the EU to ensure their used panels get recycled. Facilities in first-world countries like the US and France are already recovering materials from old panels for reuse. In contrast, an article in the Philippine Engineering Journal noted in June 2023 that the country has no specific regulation or strategy that deals with PV module waste.
And even with developed solar panel recycling facilities, there are more challenges in the recycling process. For example, the recovered silicon from old panels is not yet of high enough purity to be used to produce new panels. The cost of recycling is also still relatively high, making it more financially viable to discard old panels in landfills in some areas.
To address this issue, there needs to be more focus on making the recycling process profitable and accessible. Government regulations, investment in research and development, and consumer demand for sustainability can all play a role in making recycling old panels a more viable option.
So, what is the true cost of solar energy? While solar energy is now more affordable and accessible than ever, it does have a carbon footprint and uses rare materials and hazardous chemicals in its production process. The true cost is in its environmental impact on the planet.
The true cost notwithstanding, solar energy is still one of the cleanest and most affordable sources of energy available. With advancements in technology and a shift towards renewable energy sources, these issues can continue to be addressed and improved upon. Consumers can play a role in promoting sustainability in the solar industry by supporting companies that prioritize environmentally friendly practices and putting pressure on others to do the same.