Solar panels alleviate energy consumption and the burden it places on the environment. Furthermore, a study has shown that the use of solar panels in the United States has quantified its benefits in terms of public health and the environment. An analysis of a decade of data revealed that imported panels saved nearly 600 lives and contributed almost $30 million in climate and health benefits in the United States, according to a press release from the City University of New York.
The City University of New York emphasized in its statement that these results highlight the importance of considering the positive effects of solar energy
According to a statement released by the City University of New York (CUNY), the analysis, conducted in collaboration with Stony Brook University and Hunter College, was based on data collected between 2014 and 2022. The panels prevented approximately 178 million tons of harmful air pollution from polluting fuels during the period examined, contributing to a reduction in premature deaths. The City University of New York emphasized in its statement that these results highlight the importance of considering the positive effects of solar energy beyond immediate economic savings.
“It is often overlooked how these imports also clean the air, protect health, and reduce climate damage”
Thus, the positive impact of imported solar panels in the United States has been reflected in this study. Professor Gang He, who led the study at CUNY, stated in the press release that “global supply chains have helped make solar energy affordable. But it is often overlooked how these imports also clean the air, protect health, and reduce climate damage. These are benefits that go far beyond electricity prices.” Furthermore, changes in government energy policies favor polluting fuels, a measure aimed at boosting domestic energy production.
The analysis revealed that the advantages of imported solar capacity are not limited to the countries that acquire the panels through international trade
The research team has also warned about the risk of abandoning solar panel imports, as “their broader social benefits have not been sufficiently explored.” The analysis revealed that the advantages of imported solar capacity are not limited to the countries that acquire the panels through international trade. Incorporating solar energy into the home is one of the best ways to reduce or eliminate utility bills and domestic air pollution.
The experts examined shipping records, power plant data, and air quality indicators to substantiate their conclusions
Regarding manufacturing, the Solar Energy Industries Association stated earlier this year that U.S. manufacturing capacity could “meet all of the demand” for U.S. solar energy when fully operational, representing a cleaner electricity supply for the country. In 2022, the Energy Information Administration added that approximately 88% of solar panels shipped to the United States originated in Asia. However, the CUNY-led team cautioned against abandoning imports, as “their broader societal benefits are largely untapped,” according to the statement. The experts examined shipping records, power plant data, and air quality indicators to substantiate their conclusions, which are not merely conjectures.
“When redesigning energy and trade policies, we must ensure that we do not overlook these benefits”
“Our research demonstrates that imported solar panels do more than just save money,” the scientists emphasized. Minghao Qiu, a professor at Stony Brook and lead author of the study, explained in the statement that “more than 40% of the air quality benefits went to people living outside the states that imported the panels. This is due to how electricity and air pollution move across state lines.” According to the experts, these types of panels save energy and reduce emissions, so “when redesigning energy and trade policies, we must ensure that we do not overlook these benefits.”