Solar panels generate more low-carbon energy during their operating life than the energy required to manufacture them. However, solar electricity is not completely carbon-free when its whole lifecycle is considered.
Emissions are created during the extraction of raw materials, manufacturing of the panels and other components, transportation, installation and eventual disposal or recycling of panels. Once installed, however, photovoltaic panels generate electricity without burning fuel.
Research from the International Energy Agency’s Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme estimates lifecycle emissions of approximately 25 to 44g CO2e per kWh for several common photovoltaic technologies under its reference assumptions. It also calculated a non-renewable energy payback period of approximately 0.8 to 1.2 years, compared with an assumed panel service life of 30 years.
The precise carbon benefit of an installation will depend on factors including where the panels were manufactured, their efficiency, location, lifespan and the electricity generation they replace. Solar panels therefore have an embodied carbon footprint, but a suitably installed system can provide a substantial net carbon benefit over its lifetime.
