More Efficient Manufacturing Has Reduced Energy Break-Even Point Of PVs To Two Years

More efficient manufacturing processes have steadily reduced the amount of energy required to make photovoltaic (PV) panels to the point where a panel can produce as much energy as was used to manufacture it in two years or less, according to a new study. Solar power skeptics note that the large amount of electricity needed to melt and purify silicon used to make PVs comes mostly from power plants burning fossil fuels. This new study may help settle a debate over the net environmental benefit of solar panels.

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