Is Solar Panel Manufacturing a Green Process?

With concern over environmental impact, many homes and industries are choosing to use solar energy via panels. Solar energy is proven as a clean energy alternative to fossil fuel. The issue is the energy used to make the actual panels.

Creation of the panels utilizes toxic chemicals like sodium hydroxide and hydrofluoric acid as well as electricity and water. The result of this process is waste and greenhouse gases. Does the energy produced by the panels outweigh the damage to the environment from production? There’s a lack of transparency in the available data that suggests there may be further investigation necessary.

The Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition (SVTC) keeps tabs on the “Solar Scorecard,” a resource that shows how companies rate on sustainability and social justice. They keep tabs on how “green” companies use chemicals that are toxic, as well as producing clean and green energy. This is only one of their projects, but a very important one.

The 2014 Solar Scorecard rates companies on transparency on their annual report of all emissions, waste, pollutants, etc. It also awards points for companies that have a published plan to reduce chemical use. Worker Rights, Health, and Safety is based on going above and beyond regulations for employee wages, collective bargaining, adoption of OHSAS and more. High Value Recycling with a facility dedication to encouragement throughout the design stage and beyond awards points. Supply Chain commitment to using suppliers that report all chemical emissions as well as Module Toxicity with modules that do not contain heavy metals are also activities that earn points towards a “sunny score.” Biodiversity scores points for zero direct impact on wildlife. Reports of energy use and GHG emissions earns more points. Reduction and recording of water use is another important and point gathering action. Prison labor is forbidden and documentation of such is required, as is the non-use of Conflict Minerals from certain countries per due diligence and outlined by the Organization for Economic Co-operations and Development (OECD).

All of the factors are tallied and placed in a ranking chart. Companies with sunnier scores are the most compliant with the important safeguards instituted by SVTC.

In the 2014 scorecard, Trina Solar, a company that produces solar panels, has the highest score at 92. Other leaders are SunPower, Yingli, SolarWorld, and REC. There are several above average companies, including Mitsubishi and Panasonic. Below average companies, such as Samsung, Kyocera, and Sharp, all have scores below 31. Companies with scores less than 10 include Hyundai, Gintech, and NBSolar.

When searching for green power solution that includes solar panels, smart consumers and industry professionals should consult the SVTC Solar Scorecard to connect with and purchase from one of the Leaders in green production. By supporting these companies, perhaps others will see enough impact on their sales to drive them to employ greener processes in solar panel production.

Want to really make a difference in the environment? Purchasing solar energy panels from a company willing to take steps to really be green, not just sell green, is a step in the right direction.