Study: PV Panels Return Embodied Energy in 1-3 Years
Sunlight Solar Energy
Sometimes renewable energy skeptics question how much energy it takes to produce and ship a solar panel in comparison to how much energy thesolar panel will produce. If, for example, it took more energy tomanufacture the panel than the panel would every produce in itslifetime, it would not be reducing the carbon footprint it was designedto offset.
However, new studies are showing that it takes less than 3 years forone solar panel to offset its “embodied energy.” After that, all theenergy that the panel produces is completely clean and does not need tobe accounted for in any manufacturing processes or raw materials used to make the panel.
One study concludes, “Unlike conventional energy sources, PVsystems produce clean electricity for decades after achieving theirenergy payback in three or fewer years—this is truly the magic ofPV technology.”
Read the full studies here:
PV Embodied Energy from Home Power Magazine
PV Embodied Energy from Energy & Environmental Economics
Original Article on Sunlight Solar Energy
Sunlight Solar Energy, Inc is committed to providing the highest qualitygrid-tied solar electric, solar hot water heating and solar pool heating installations for homes, businesses, municipalities and non-profits.Our company has been dedicated to installing solar energy systems forover 20 years and we are licensed to install in Connecticut, New York,Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Oregon andNevada. As one of the leading solar thermal and photovoltaic (PV) design and installation contractors in the U.S., we have set the standard forwarranties and customer service. We met Sunpower's stringent standardsand won the Sunpower 2008 "Intelegant Award" for best installation inaesthetics, quality and customer satisfaction. All of our installationsare turn-key and include all permitting, applications, and incentivepaperwork to provide ease, convenience and predictability. Ourestimates, site assessments and system designs are always provided freeof charge. Articles l Homepage