3 ms·
Converting sunlight to electric energy and then using that energy generates the exact same amount of heat as if that sunlight was simply absorbed by the ground
by PeterisP 5y ago
Converting sunlight to electric energy and then using that energy generates the exact same amount of heat as if that sunlight was simply absorbed by the ground without the solar panel being in the way, as per the laws of thermodynamics.
- amelius 5y agoThat depends on albedo. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albedo https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albedo
- drdeca 5y agoThough, if the solar panels absorb more energy than the ground, due to the ground reflecting more of the light, that’s still a little bit of difference, right? (Not a knock on solar panels, I’m just being pedantic)
- _carbyau_ 5y agoThis is where I am curious to see if solar panels cover city rooftops can help - not entirely mitigate but help - with city heat island effects. By absorbing the energy to then use it - say to run aircon - it should be better than having the surroundings absorb it and then pump in more energy from outside to mitigate it.