Uncovering the Hidden Impacts of Solar Energy Production
Boston University faculty members have shed light on the lesser-known aspects of solar technology production and destruction. Dunlap, a postdoctoral research scientist, and Benjamin Sovacool, a professor of earth and environment, conducted a project titled "Transformational Energy Justice Across the Supply Chain" to explore the hidden impacts of the solar energy industry.
"When we think about solar energy, [we] think about the household that has solar on the roof, or maybe a utility scale solar power plant where you see the panels," said Sovacool. "By looking at that, you’re missing all the other hidden elements that may be affected by making or manufacturing or getting that solar panel."
To investigate solar panel supply chains, Dunlap and Sovacool traveled across the country, discovering that the process behind producing clean solar energy was not as clean as expected.
Author's summary: BU faculty explore the hidden impacts of solar energy production.