Yes, the vast majority of components in a solar panel can be recycled. The traditional recycling techniques for solar panels are quite energy intensive which has sparked much debate over how clean solar panels are. However, more recently there have been many breakthroughs in recycling techniques, and very soon recycling solar panels will be much more cost effective and environmentally friendly. So, in short yes, solar panels are recyclable, be sure to select a panel manufacturer that supports the international PV recycling scheme like Hyundai.

The word “sustainable” means it can be maintained at a certain rate or level. Solar Panels have 25-year performance warranties that show they can be maintained at an acceptable level for a very long time. A solar panel does not last forever, so technically at some point it will have to be decommissioned and disposed of. However, as solar panels can be recycled in an efficient way it could be argued that solar panels are very sustainable.

Solar Panels can create electricity from the sun’s light. Producing electricity from sunlight with no harmful by-products is why solar is considered a clean green source of power that is good for the environment. Other sources of power require burning coal or gas to heat water which creates steam which turns a turbine to generate electricity. The burning of coal or gas creates many by-products which are released into our atmosphere and are not good for the environment. Solar Panels do require natural resources and energy to create them, so it is vital to ensure they remain a great source of clean energy by building them well, installing them correctly and maintaining them so they last as long as possible. In addition, recycling them at the end of their life span to recover their elements to be reused again is important to close the clean energy loop.

Renewable energy helps the environment by offsetting carbon emissions. For example, to produce a solar panel with non-renewable energy it would take 3 months to produce the energy back that it needed to be produced. After that the energy produced is all carbon neutral.

This is very specific to the wants and needs of the location and or individual. As renewable energy delivers on a few key items this would be the start of the discussion. EG is the requirement for the best for the environment, the best for energy stability or the best for cost? After that the actual specifics of the site or requirement would come into play. Saying all of that at present industry and worldwide the most commonly installed renewable energy is solar panels for homes and business with Solar and Wind being used for larger generation.

This is very hard to comment on however in theory it would be solar as the sun is the single biggest source of energy in the solar system.

Yes it will help climate change. Renewable energy along with responsible and manageable environmental policy will not only help the environment but drive the future economies of the planet.