This web page provides a description of the environmental benefits of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels.

References are in ‘superscript’, for instance¹ the 1 after ‘instance’. The references details are at the bottom of this page against the number.

The York Solar Energy opinion is that domestic PV solar panels can have a significant affect on reducing the UK CO₂ emissions.

As both population and energy use per capita increase, modern society is approaching physical limits to its continued fossil fuel consumption¹.

The immediate limits are set by the planet’s ability to adapt to a changing atmospheric chemical composition, not the availability of resources. In order for a future society to be sustainable while operating at or above our current standard of living a shift away from carbon based energy sources must occur¹.

Planet earth is approaching its limits, the end of the line – something has to change.

Solar energy systems (photovoltaics, solar thermal, solar power) provide significant environmental benefits in comparison to the conventional energy sources, thus contributing, to the sustainable development of human activities².

We can all have an effect, ‘every little helps’ as Tesco say.

A 5 KWp (Kilowatt peak) PV would fit on an average to large roof.

A 5 KWp PV system would, each year¹, prevent:

• 8.5 tonnes of CO₂ enhancing the greenhouse effect.
  • Their are various estimates for the amount of CO₂ saved, the estimates range from about 2 tonnes upward.
  • The estimates vary depending on what you do and don’t include.
• Approx 50 pounds of NO_X and SO₂ pollutants entering the atmosphere (acid rain).
• 3.5 tonnes of coal being burnt.
• 5000 gallons of water being used.

The 2002 average CO2 emission per head of the UK population is 8.9 tonnes³.

Installing a 5 KWp PV system makes a large dent in the average CO2 emissions of UK individuals. If all houses had a 5 5KWp PV system we would solve the problem.

References

1 – Joshua M. Pearce, Photovoltaics – a Path to Sustainable Futures, Science, Technology, and Society Program, The Pennsylvania State University. Downloaded 13 November 2010.

2 – Theocharis Tsoutsos et al, Environmental impacts from the solar energy technologies, Elsevier (Amsterdam). Downloaded 13 November 2010.

3 – UK Government, Energy – its impact on the environment and society, Annexe 5A, Trends in international carbon dioxide emissions.Downloaded 14 November 2011.