Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski, the ranking Republican on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, unveiled her Energy 20/20 proposal this week. The 123-page document is intended as a “blueprint for discussion” about U.S. energy policy and includes a wide range of provisions, from oil drilling to energy storage R&D.
Solar technologies offer a number of environmental benefits such as the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and waste over fuel-based energy sources. Climate change, sustainability and recycling are all concerns of the solar industry, which is taking steps to address environmental and social issues in the lifecycle of solar products.
Climate Change
Solar energy plays an important role in transitioning the U.S. to a low-carbon, sustainable future. Solar energy technologies can provide innovative, cost-effective solutions to reduce emissions in a number of sectors of the economy.
Sustainability
The solar industry is working to assess sustainability issues, develop standards practices, and pursue industry solutions to ensure sustainable business practices.
PV Recycling
Most solar technologies produce useful energy for decades. As the volume of solar installations in the US grows, the industry is planning ahead to ensure that panels are responsibly recycled once they reach the end of their useful life.
