How does solar energy cause pollution?

Once installed, a solar panel produces electricity without causing any pollution; however, the process of making the panels requires energy, and if the plant is located in a nation that relies heavily on fossil fuels, then CO2 emissions are involved. Additionally, other chemicals may be used during the manufacturing process, and if companies are not cautious, these chemicals may leak into water systems.

Though some very large solar thermal plants can take up large tracts of land and by doing so, possibly impact local ecosystems, small solar installations on existing rooftops have no land footprint; however, many of these plants are often ideally located in hot, dry desert environments that are not known for a huge biodiversity to begin with.

Solar energy itself doesn't cause pollution. However, the manufacturing process of solar panels, transportation, and disposal can produce some pollution. This pollution mainly comes from the production of raw materials, such as silicon and metals, and the energy used in manufacturing processes, such as mining, refining, and transportation. Additionally, the disposal of solar panels at the end of their lifespan can pose environmental challenges if not managed properly.