From Ecopedia

Overview

A Solar Panel or a solar module is an array of packaged and interconnected solar cells also known as photovoltaic (PV) cells. Solar panels utilize light energy (photons) coming from the sun to create electrical energy through photo-electric effect or photovoltaic effect.

Electricity generation using solar panels is extremely eco-friendly and cost-effective. Majority of solar modules make use of silicon- or cadmium telluride-based thin-film cells or wafer-based crystalline silicon cells. PV modules in wafer form are most commonly used in electricity generation.

Thermal collectors are another type of solar panels, often used in fluid-heating. Solar thermal collectors absorb and retain the heat from the sun before transferring the heat to liquids.

Environmental Information

Reliable Source of Renewable Energy

Photovoltaic solar cells (PVSCs) offer an alternative form of environmentally-clean solar power with no harmful carbon emissions. The energy-efficient PV cells offer a better alternative to the black-energy-generating fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum.

Although, Fossil Fuels are most-widely utilized for electricity generation, the limited and non-renewable nature of the fuels poses a problem for future use. Estimates determine that the reserves of fossil fuels might soon run dry by as soon as 2050. Moreover, combustion of Fossil Fuels, is leading to the release of large quantities of greenhouse gases including carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide, which affect the environment through Global warming. On the other hand, unlike fossil fuels, PV solar panels’ use of green energy from the sun aids in conserving the earth’s energy.

Pollution-Free Usage

Solar Panels do not pollute the air while in operation. Solar panels do not produce environmentally-harmful materials such as nitrous oxides, sulphur dioxide, toxic substances like mercury, and particulate matter like soot, smog or chemical precipitation like the acid rain. Generally PV materials are encased either in plastic or glass, allowing no release of air pollutants.

Minimal Impact on Wildlife

Solar panels are found to have minimum impact on wildlife. As the environment-friendly solar power aids in significantly reducing effect of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs), wild life in general, is unaffected by the solar-powered PV panels.

Safe for Landfills

PV Panels are found to be safe for landfills, as PV panels, encased in plastic or glass, are mostly insoluble.

Additionally, as PV panels produce no by-products and require no water for cooling the systems, any impact of the PV products on the environment is minimal.

Issues with solar panels

During the manufacturing phase of the solar panels, pollution-causing energy is utilized, which leads to the release of heavy metals into the air along with certain greenhouse gases as well.

In addition, solar panels have leftovers such as Silicon Tetrachloride, which might pollute the environment while getting disposed.

Water consumption during production phase is another area of concern to the environmentalists.

However, positive impacts of the solar panels on the environment far outweigh such minor disadvantages of the panels.

References

(Retrieved on 4th March 2010) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_water_heating#Collectors_used_in_modern_domestic_solar_water_heating_systems http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photovoltaic_module#Flexible_thin-film_modules http://www.ehow.com/about_5437044_environmental-impact-solar-panels.html http://www.solarpanelinfo.com/environmental/ http://www.tropical-rainforest-animals.com/diy-solar-panels-and-environment.html http://www.articlesbase.com/environment-articles/thinfilm-solar-panels-432998.html http://www.articlesbase.com/environment-articles/is-solar-energy-reliable-115840.html http://www.articlesbase.com/environment-articles/why-more-people-should-buy-solar-panels-556703.html http://blog.fuzing.com/2007/08/solar-panels-the-magic-behind-these-eco-friendly-energy-generators.htm http://www.solarpanelinfo.com/ http://dspace.nitrkl.ac.in:8080/dspace/bitstream/2080/1154/1/Bcbabu_ISPST2010.pdf http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photovoltaics#Environmental_impacts http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_The_impact_of_solar_energy_on_the_environment http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/OIPP/docs/solar_panel_lifecycle.pdf http://www.ehow.com/about_5437044_environmental-impact-solar-panels.html http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/kids/energy.cfm?page=solar_home-basics-k.cfm