Environmental impacts of solar energy systems: A review

The annual increases in global energy consumption, along with its environmental issues and concerns, are playing significant roles in the massive sustainable and renewable global transmission of energy. Solar energy systems have been grabbing most attention among all the other renewable energy systems throughout the last decade. However, even renewable energies can have some adverse environmental repercussions; therefore, further attention and proper precautional procedures should be given. This paper discusses in detail the environmental impacts of several commercial and emerging solar energy systems at both small- and utility-scales. The study expands to some of the related advances, as well as some of the essential elements in their systems. The approach follows all the stages, starting with the designs, then throughout their manufacturing, materials, construction or installation phases, and over operation lifetime and decommissioning. Specific solutions for most systems such as waste minimization and recycling are discussed, alongside with some technically and ecologically favorable recommendations for mitigating the impacts. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The annual increases in global energy consumption and environmental concerns are driving the massive transmission of sustainable and renewable energy. Solar energy systems have been the focus of attention, but even renewable energies can have adverse environmental impacts. This paper discusses the environmental impacts of various solar energy systems and emphasizes the need for attention and precautionary measures.