Leading the Charge: REC’s 2023 Initiative Educates Consumers on Sustainable Solar Panel Practices
In a recent study, REC Group emphasizes the need for the solar industry to install over one billion solar panels annually for the next decade to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C. As the push for renewable energy gains momentum, REC Group, a leading player in solar energy, is proactively addressing the potential environmental impact of solar panels.
With a rich 25-year history in the industry, REC Group is dedicated to positive global and community impact through its Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy. The company has now initiated a 2023 global ESG campaign to educate consumers on the environmental aspects of solar panels. The campaign focuses on three core subjects: Energy, Water, and Waste.
Highlighting the importance of power density, REC Group encourages consumers to choose technologically advanced solar panels with over 22 percent efficiency. Higher efficiency panels allow for reduced resource consumption without compromising energy output, a crucial factor for homeowners and businesses maximizing their solar potential.
REC Group sheds light on various solar panel technologies, including TOPCon, PERC, and Heterojunction cell technology (HJT). The latter, combining two materials, maximizes sunlight capture, unlocking optimal energy harvesting. REC has been at the forefront of HJT-based solar panels since 2019, introducing four innovations globally in the last four years using its advanced Alpha HJT technology.
Reliability emerges as another crucial factor, with top-branded solar panels guaranteeing a minimum power performance of 92 percent at year 25, outperforming some TOPCon-based alternatives offering only around 89 percent reliability.
The energy-intensive nature of solar panel manufacturing prompts REC Group to advocate for metrics such as Energy Payback Time and Carbon Footprint. Environmentally conscious consumers can opt for manufacturers providing an Energy Payback Time of less than one year, accompanied by an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for footprint validation.
In conclusion, REC Group emphasizes that by making informed and responsible choices in solar panel selection, homeowners and businesses can play a significant role in combating climate change while enjoying the benefits of clean solar power.