Is Solar A Net Environmental Loss?

A growing concern in the solar energy market, specifically, and the green market, generally, is the fact that much of the manufacture, distribution, and disposal of solar photovoltaic cells causes environmental damage. It is argued that the manufacture and distribution of solar panels use more energy than the panels save in their lifetimes.

In addition, silicon is a hazardous material and many of the discarded panels could end up in landfills (whether at the end of their useful lives or when materials are replaced with upgrades). In this LA Times article, Solar energy's darker side stirs concern, many of these newly-realized concerns are explored.

When you're purchasing solar panels, take care to look for companies (like Tempe, Arizona's First Solar) who offer cradle to grave handling of panels or research the emerging market of 'organic' solar cells. Curbing greenhouse gas emissions through use of alternative energy is not the only reason to think and act green - there is the factor of environmental cost throughout a product's lifecycle.