Review of the Environmental Effects and Benefits of Selected Solar Energy Technologies
Data are reviewed and summarized on the environmental effects of three solar energy technologies: photovoltaic cells, wind energy conversion (WEC), and the solar thermal central receiver. Potential effects are identified for each of the life cycle phases: resource extraction and component manufacture, plant construction, operation and decommission. The solar energy technologies are assumed to be deployed as centralized energy production facilities. The technologies examined are materials intensive compared to fossil fuel plants with the same power rating. As a result, the life-cycle phase of resource extraction and component production is the most environmentally hazardous. Impacts of plant construction will be somewhat site specific but should approximate impacts associated with any large construction activity. The operation phase is relatively environmentally benign. WEC operation does produce low-level noise pollution and presents minimal hazards to flying species. Solar thermal facilities equipped with wet cooling towers may affect local air quality via cooling tower drift. In addition, large installations of each option may alter local microclimate. Decommission of WEC, solar thermal, and Si-photovoltaic facilities should present no environmental hazards, although disposal of CdS or GaAs cells will require care.
- Research Organization:
- National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC36-08GO28308
- OSTI ID:
- 6123286
- Report Number(s):
- SERI/TP-53-114-R
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
17 WIND ENERGY
SOLAR CELLS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
TOWER FOCUS POWER PLANTS
WIND POWER PLANTS
CLIMATES
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
CONSTRUCTION
COOLING TOWERS
MATERIALS
NOISE
ORE PROCESSING
SITE PREPARATION
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
POWER PLANTS
PROCESSING
SOLAR POWER PLANTS
SOLAR THERMAL POWER PLANTS
photovoltaic cells
wind energy conversion
solar thermal central receiver
140400* - Solar Energy- Environmental Aspects
170500 - Wind Energy- Environmental Aspects
140501 - Solar Energy Conversion- Photovoltaic Conversion
140702 - Solar Thermal Power Systems- Central Receiver