Ever wondered why governments worldwide, especially Singapore, are increasingly encouraging the adoption of solar panels? The truth is, aside from being a source of renewable energy with minimal negative impacts on our environment, solar power is also said to reduce carbon emissions and our individual footprints to help countries align with global sustainability goals. But how exactly does it help lower carbon footprints and help you and I live sustainably? We’ll dive into the nitty-gritty of solar energy to find out more.
What is Carbon Footprint?
Your carbon footprint refers to the total amount of greenhouse gases directly or indirectly generated by your actions, which can include working on the laptop, shopping, and even basic living activities like sleeping. It represents the impact you have on our environment in terms of contribution to climate change. A higher carbon footprint indicates that your lifestyle is unsustainable and harmful to our atmosphere as it can accelerate global warming and threaten our ecosystems. If you’re a business owner or a landed property homeowner in Singapore, solar panels are technologies you can tap on to lower your carbon footprint.
What Is the Role of Solar Energy in Reducing Carbon Footprint?
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Solar Panels Generate Clean Electricity and Have Minimal Carbon Impact
Solar panels produce electricity based on the photovoltaic effect, which occurs when silicon PV cells in the panels absorb sunlight and create an electrical current. This flow of DC electricity is then converted in an inverter into AC electricity—a type of electricity compatible with existing electrical systems—to power homes and buildings. From start to end, this entire process does not require the burning of fossil fuels or other substances.
But just because these systems do not emit harmful greenhouse gases, that doesn’t make them entirely carbon neutral. The truth is, about 40 to 100 grams of carbon dioxide (CO2) per kilowatt-hour (kWh) are still produced during the manufacturing process of solar panels. However, this amount is actually significantly lower than those produced by the burning of natural gas—a whopping 330 grams of CO2/kWh. Life-cycle assessments have also proven that solar has a generally smaller carbon footprint than that of fossil fuels throughout their course of life.
Although solar panels do contribute to emissions, harnessing the power of the sun is still an excellent way to reduce your dependence on grid electricity and help with the reduction of carbon emissions. This lowers your footprint and allows you to aid in slowing climate change effects.
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Solar Panels Can Be Recycled
Solar panels can be recycled after many years of use and help in promoting a circular economy. Whether it’s the metals used in the frame, such as aluminium or silver, or the silicon wafers in the cells, the materials can be reused to make new solar panels. Even the glass may be repurposed into new glass products.
Learn More: Materials Used for Your Solar Panel System
According to research, recycling one ton, or approximately one kg of silicon PV modules can save between 800 and 1200 kg or CO2 equivalent global warming potential when compared to constructing new PV panels out of raw materials.
Recycling these parts not only helps to conserve valuable resources and eliminate the need for new raw materials when manufacturing solar panels, it also reduces the environmental impact of disposal in landfills, where hazardous materials may leach into the soil.
If you’re interested in the benefits of solar power and want to actively contribute to protecting our environment, you can have solar panels installed at your home or business. As a solar energy company committed to promoting sustainable living, we hope to help power Singapore in clean and green ways. Simply send us a message to get started!
References
Fichtner, S. (2023, October 30). Understanding the carbon footprint of solar panel manufacturing. Solarbe Global. https://www.solarbeglobal.com/understanding-the-carbon-footprint-of-solar-panel-manufacturing/
Quaschning, V. (n.d.). Specific carbon dioxide emissions of various fuels. Volker Quaschning – Erneuerbare Energien Und Klimaschutz. https://www.volker-quaschning.de/datserv/CO2-spez/index_e.php
Recycling of silicon solar panels. (n.d.). Singapore-CEA Alliance for Research in Circular Economy (SCARCE). https://www.ntu.edu.sg/scarce/research-focus/recycling-of-silicon-solar-panels
