Solar technology varies and solar manufacturing occurs in various parts of the world but the predominant technology relies on silicon solar cells, with a significant portion of manufacturing taking place in China. This leads to higher embodied carbon due to the production of silicon solar cells and the location of manufacturing, which often relies on an energy mix with more coal than renewables-based generation. At the scale of PV production in mid-2023, and beyond, the industry’s carbon footprint is significant, despite the generation of green energy by panels after their production.
First Solar secured the world’s first EPEAT accreditation for a PV module in 2020.
Photo: First Solar
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