An oil company is ultimately developing reserves of petroleum that can keep producing for a decade or so into the future. A manufacturer, similarly, is building a factory that can churn out similar volumes year in, year out, until the equipment is worn out or obsolete.
A solar panel sold by Longi in 2024 will be generating electricity for decades. Most carry 25-year warranties. Oil and gas sold this year, however, will almost all be used up in a matter of months. If you look at the long-term flow of energy into the global economy that’s crystallized with each solar cell produced, it’s many times what’s being provided by Big Oil.
If you consider what each group of companies can produce without major additional investments — comparing the volumes in oil firms’ geological reserves to what solar companies will be able to produce before depreciation wears out their plant — clean power moves clearly into the lead.
@VOTA1 r1Y
If solar panels can provide energy for decades with minimal environmental impact, why do you think society has been slow to transition from oil?
@VOTA1 r1Y
Considering the lifespan of solar energy production versus oil consumption, how does this influence your thoughts on sustainability and environmental responsibility?
@VOTA1 r1Y
Reflecting on the fact that solar panels have a warranty of 25 years while oil is used up in months, what implications does this have for how you view the efficiency and value of renewable versus non-renewable energy sources?
