Solar's Dirt and Toxic Issues

Global solar energy production is taking a major hit due to air pollution and dust. The first study of its kind showed airborne particles and their accumulation on solar cells is cutting energy output by more than 25 percent in certain parts of the world. The regions hardest hit are also those investing the most in solar energy installations—China, India and the Arabian Peninsula. Data showed a noticeable jump in efficiency each time the panels were cleaned after being left alone for several weeks.¹ China is already looking at tens of billions of dollars being lost each year, with more than 80 percent of that coming from losses due to pollution. Lead researcher Mike Bergin said, “With the explosions of renewables taking place in China and their recent commitment to expanding their solar power capacity, that number is only going to go up.” ² Joanne Nova observes, “Either way, real pollution and natural dust will slow the clean energy future in India and China until we get auto cleaning panels. Unfortunately, cleaning panels also risks damaging them, so the price of solar power really needs to include the cost of windscreen-wipers, electricity losses, damage to panels, and damage to panel cleaners too.” ³