{"id":6255,"date":"2018-04-09T15:34:02","date_gmt":"2018-04-09T15:34:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.portal.solar.com\/learn\/what-are-the-greenest-solar-panels\/"},"modified":"2019-06-27T06:39:21","modified_gmt":"2019-06-27T06:39:21","slug":"what-are-the-greenest-solar-panels","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.solar.com\/learn\/what-are-the-greenest-solar-panels\/","title":{"rendered":"What are the greenest solar panels?"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n“Green” is a word that has been used for decades to describe environmentally friendly practices, products, services, and more.<\/span><\/p>\n

The more green something is, the more sustainable the activities and materials were in the creation and distribution of that product or service.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the case of solar panels, some of the characteristics to consider are the materials used in its production, and where the materials were sourced, assembled, and distributed. All of these factors can help you figure out which solar panels are the greenest.<\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span>Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition<\/span><\/a> (SVTC) measures the environmental impact of solar panel manufacturers and scores companies based on their activities. The information that they collect can aid a consumer in determining which solar panels are the greenest.<\/span><\/p>\n

For example, SVTC measured that a solar panel produced in China will have <\/span>double the carbon footprint<\/span><\/a> than one produced in Europe. The carbon footprint is an important concept to understand in the area of sustainability.<\/span><\/p>\n

Carbon Footprint<\/span><\/h2>\n

The carbon footprint is a representation of someone or something’s impact on the environment. It is based on the total amount of carbon dioxide, methane, and other harmful emissions or by-products that result from any given activity. <\/span><\/p>\n

The carbon footprint is a great metric to focus on when you are trying to <\/span>implement sustainable practices<\/span><\/a> in your life, from daily habits to purchasing tendencies. It is also an important factor to consider in determining what are the greenest solar panels.<\/span><\/p>\n

How Green Is Your Solar Panel?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Here are some of the most important variables that influence how green your solar panel is:<\/span><\/p>\n