Environmental impacts of solar energy

Solar energy is a clean, renewable resource that reduces reliance on fossil fuels, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. However, its production involves manufacturing solar panels, which can use hazardous materials and consume energy. Land use for large solar farms can disrupt ecosystems, and panel disposal at end-of-life poses waste management challenges. Despite these concerns, solar power's overall environmental footprint is significantly lower than traditional energy sources, making it a sustainable option for reducing climate change impacts while maintaining ecological balance.