Solar energy, an alternative to fossil fuels for generating electricity, has become a clean, renewable energy source. Solar panels, a significant component of solar energy, are gaining wide acceptance for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, carbon footprints, and pollution.
Solar Panels and Their Mechanisms
Solar panels transform sunlight into electricity directly using photovoltaic (PV) cells. Photovoltaic cells, mainly made of silicon, absorb sunlight and generate direct current (DC) electricity, which is further flown into an inverter, present in the PV, and converted into alternating current (AC). The entire process does not involve burning any fossil fuels or carbon footprints.
What are carbon footprints?
Carbon footprints are the total amount of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide (CO2), produced by human activities daily. They are one method of measuring the impact of global climate change by these emissions at the individual, group, or organization level.
The Role of Solar Panels in Reducing Carbon Footprints
According to the Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA), photovoltaics’ carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions range from 25 to 32 gm per kilowatt-hour during their lifecycle. On the other hand, the total emission of a gas-fired power plant is 400 gm per kilowatt-hour, and of a coal-based power plant with carbon capture and storage is 200 gm per kilowatt-hour. Solar panel manufacturing, i.e., upstream processes, accounts for sixty percent of carbon emissions.
 Zero Carbon Emission
Solar panels generate electricity without emitting carbon dioxide or other harmful pollutants into the atmosphere after installation. It takes them two or three years post-installation to offset the carbon emitted during their life cycle.
Significant Decrease in Fossil Fuel Consumption: A Beacon of Hope
The increased adoption and utilization of solar panels decrease electricity consumption from thermal and gas-based plants. It makes less burning of coal, oil, and natural gasses, resulting in less emissions and lower carbon footprints.
 Scaling down greenhouse gases
The widespread use of solar panels to produce electricity aids in decreasing other greenhouse gases, such as methane and nitrous oxide, which are some significant contributors to global warming and carbon footprint.
 Promoting Sustainable Electricity
Solar panels create clean energy throughout their lifecycle and have a negligible impact on their surrounding environment. Their life cycle ranges from thirty to forty years, creating a sustainable ecosystem and environment.
 Mere Electricity Transmission
According to consumer demand, solar panels can be installed at various scales, from rooftop buildings to utility-scale solar farms. These distributed systems do not transmit electricity long distances, eliminating energy losses and associated carbon emissions.
 Net Zero Capacity
Buildings can become net zero energy consumers by installing solar panels on the rooftops and generating electricity. By offsetting the net electricity consumption, carbon emissions can be significantly reduced.
Solar panels significantly reduce individual, group, society, and organizational carbon footprints. Manufacturing advanced solar panels, such as organic and transparent solar cells, and recycling old solar panels after their life cycle would further reduce carbon footprints.
