[Epiphany21]

Solar panels are less bad for the environment in regions where they'll operate efficiently for all or most of their projected lifespan. The manufacturing process is worse up front, but the idea is that this will be offset over time as the device harvests energy from the sun without creating any additional major pollution.

The trouble is that solar panels in lots of areas are vulnerable to weathering, accidents, theft and sometimes vandalism. The ones I've seen are just not very durable. I drive by a field full of them frequently and a couple times a year I see workers replacing a panel or two. I've been told they're supposed to last for a minimum of 15 years.