Once installed, solar panels produce electricity with virtually no air pollution or greenhouse gas emissions. Solar energy, like any energy technology, has a life cycle that involves resource extraction, manufacturing, transportation, installation, operation, and eventual disposal, all of which can contribute to pollution. Using solar energy can have a positive, indirect effect on the environment when solar energy replaces or reduces the use of other energy sources that have larger effects on the environment. The answer is yes, in some cases. The. This section addresses baseline environmental assessment prior to construction, stormwater management, leaching of metals from panels, stray voltage concerns, radiation and electromagnetic fields, impacts to wildlife, and disposal or recycling of panels at the end of their useful life.
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