3 minute read • Graham Lumley • Last update September 2024
Yes, solar energy is considered a renewable energy source because it has an essentially unlimited fuel source and does not create harmful greenhouse gases. Solar panels harness the power of the sun, which will continue to produce an abundant and continuous supply of energy for several billion years.
A renewable energy source is a type of energy that is naturally replenished on a human timescale and can be used repeatedly without depleting its availability. These sources are often considered environmentally friendly because they produce little or no greenhouse gas emissions. Examples of renewable energy sources include:
Renewable energy sources are contrasted with non-renewable sources, like coal, oil, and natural gas, which take millions of years to form and are finite in supply.
The main differentiators between solar and non-renewable energy sources stem from their availability, ability to naturally replenish themselves, impact on the environment, and cost efficiency.
Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:
Renewable sources of energy like solar are widely available and naturally replenish themselves on a human timescale. Non-renewable sources of energy may be widely available, but do not naturally replenish themselves on a human timescale.
For example, solar will be available as long as the sun is shining. Scientists expect the sun will continue burning for the next five billion years.
Fossil fuels like coal and oil do occur naturally, but cannot be replaced in a reasonable timeframe. Scientists estimate we are nearing the end of our ability to consume fossil fuels. According to the Millennium Alliance for Humanity and the Biosphere (MAHB) from Stanford University, oil will run out by 2052, gas will run out by 2060, and coal will run out by 2090.
Solar is considered cleaner and more environmentally friendly because solar panels produce no harmful greenhouse gases while they operate. The burning of oil, gas, and coal however leads to the emission of harmful greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide that trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to global warming.
Solar power, and other renewable energy sources, often have high upfront costs to manufacture and install, but low ongoing costs because the fuel source is free. We do not have to pay for sunlight.
Alternatively, non-renewable energy sources can be cheaper to establish because of existing infrastructure, but operational costs can fluctuate widely due to the market prices of fossil fuels like oil, coal, and gas.
Solar energy is considered one of the cleanest and most environmentally friendly sources of power, but there are still some impacts to the environment associated with the manufacturing of solar panels, installation of solar farms, and disposal of decommissioned materials. However, these impacts are significantly less harmful compared to traditional fossil fuels.
Here are the main environmental concerns related to solar energy:
The process of manufacturing solar panels requires energy production, which may come from fossil fuels, and involves the use of materials such as silicon, glass, and metals that require intensive mining operations to collect.
The generation of power and the mining of these materials to produce solar panels can have detrimental effect on the environment such as greenhouse gas production, air pollution, and water usage.
It is generally thought that the renewable power generated by solar panels, once they are operational, outweighs the negative impacts from the initial manufacturing and construction processes.
Utility-scale solar farms require a significant amount of land, and this can be disruptive to local habitats and wildlife. On the other hand, solar panels can also be integrated into urban areas on rooftops or over parking lots, reducing the need to develop natural land.
The most common type of solar panels, photovoltaic panels, do not require much water during operation. This makes them much less intensive than traditional fossil fuel power plants.
However, concentrated solar power systems can require more water than photovoltaic.
Solar power systems often generate more power than can be used at any given moment and do not generate power at night. Battery storage can be used to store excess power, which can then be utilized overnight. The downside? The production of batteries relies on the mining of materials like lithium and cobalt, which can be harmful to the environment.
Unfortunately, solar panels do not last forever. The typical solar panel has a lifespan of about 25-30 years and they must be decommissioned. If panels are not disposed of properly, the hazardous materials used to create them can cause damage to the environment.
However, solar panel recycling technology is improving, helping to mitigate these concerns.
