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harpostyleupvotes t1_ivtbmy7 wrote

Does that include the footprint it took to get the materials for the solar array?

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msltoe t1_ivtej37 wrote

Based on a cursory Google search of your concern, it looks like the manufacture, transport, and installation cancels out the 1st year of benefits. However, the next 19-24 years should be "clean." Oh, but then recycling will a new challenge. Wake me in 25 years.

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GoodMerlinpeen t1_ivxfdrc wrote

The energy payback times (energy required to manufacture, install, etc) for solar range from 2 years to 2 months, so actually pretty good in that regard. Since the panels last for 25-30 years, it is clear that it is a good direction to go in.

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