Does solar energy produce harmful waste?
On One Hand: Directly, NoAccording to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, using solar energy does not produce any harmful waste or environmental pollution as a byproduct. The benefit of solar energy is that systems either concentrate the Sun’s energy to heat a fluid, or in the case of photovoltaic cells, convert it directly to electricity.On the Other: Production of PV Cells Produces WasteIn order to manufacture solar PV cells, producers must use energy in the process, sending pollution into the air, along with some highly toxic chemicals, according to Low Tech Magazine. Silicon tetrachloride, for example, destroys plant life.Bottom LineThe process of generating some solar energy systems does create waste.
