A recent Seattle Times article, “Can The Rush For Clean Energy Overcome A Legacy Of Pollution raised concerns about the environmental impact of mining materials for clean energy technologies. While it’s true that manufacturing solar panels requires raw materials, the scale of resource use is often misunderstood — and far less intensive than traditional fossil fuel energy systems.
At Puget Sound Solar, we proudly install panels from Silfab and REC Solar, two manufacturers that prioritize responsible sourcing, material efficiency, and long-term sustainability. Let’s take a closer look at what actually goes into a solar panel and why they’re still a smart, environmentally sound choice.
What Materials Are Used in Solar Panels?
Solar panels are made from a combination of abundant, recyclable materials designed for durability and efficiency. Here’s a breakdown of the key materials in a standard 60-cell or 72-cell residential panel, by weight:
| Material | % of Total Weight | Approx. Weight in a 20 kg (44 lb) Panel | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
Glass | ~70% | ~14 kg (30 lbs) | Durable front cover to protect solar cells |
Aluminum | ~10% | ~2 kg (4.4 lbs) | Lightweight, corrosion-resistant frame |
Silicon | ~5% | ~1 kg (2.2 lbs) | Converts sunlight into electricity (solar cells) |
Plastic (Encapsulants & Backsheet) | ~5% | ~1 kg (2.2 lbs) | Protects and insulates the panel’s components |
Copper | ~1% | ~200 g (7 oz) | Wiring for electrical connections |
Silver | ~0.05% | ~10 g (0.35 oz) | Conductive paste used in solar cells |
Other Metals (e.g., Tin, Lead, Zinc) | ~1% | ~200 g (7 oz) | Soldering and trace materials |
Where Do These Materials Come From?
Glass: Produced from sand, one of Earth’s most abundant resources. Most solar panel glass is easily recyclable.
Aluminum: Extracted from bauxite ore, aluminum is one of the most recycled metals in the world. REC’s high-efficiency frames use minimal aluminum while maintaining strength.
Silicon: The second most abundant element on Earth, silicon is derived from quartz and refined into photovoltaic-grade silicon for solar cells.
Plastic (Encapsulants & Backsheets): Encapsulation layers are designed for durability and UV resistance but remain a focus for future recycling improvements.
Copper & Silver: Used in wiring and as a conductive paste in solar cells. Manufacturers like REC have reduced silver use significantly in recent years through improved cell designs.
Lead-Free Technology (REC Solar): REC’s advanced manufacturing avoids lead-based solder, reducing toxic materials and improving recyclability.
Mining vs. Clean Energy Benefits
Mining is required for solar panels — just as it’s required for coal, oil, and gas infrastructure. However, the materials in solar panels are far less consumptive over time.
✅ Solar panels generate energy for 25+ years with minimal resource consumption once installed.
✅ Silfab and REC Solar panels are designed with material efficiency in mind, reducing their environmental impact.
✅ As solar recycling programs expand, valuable materials like silicon, silver, and copper can be recovered and reused, further reducing the need for future mining.
The Clean Energy Advantage
Unlike fossil fuel systems, which require continuous extraction, transportation, and combustion, solar panels generate clean power without additional resource consumption. Over their lifespan, solar panels offset far more emissions than were created during their manufacturing.
At Puget Sound Solar, we choose partners like Silfab and REC Solar because they prioritize sustainable materials, responsible sourcing, and long-term performance.
Interested in learning how solar can lower your carbon footprint and save you money? Use our form below to contact us today to explore your options!
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