Making solar panels greener: Producing photovoltaic panels more sustainably will require reducing energy consumption, toxic substances

A discussion on producing photovoltaic panels more sustainably covers the environmental impact of photovoltaic technology; characteristics of silicon-based photovoltaic solar panels, which boast ∼ 80% of the global market; need for more environmentally-friendly manufacturing processes; programs that will collect and recycle panels after their 20-25-yr lifespan; scientists' efforts to develop more energy-efficient ways to purify and crystallize silicon; economic aspects; and improving the energy efficiency of cells.