Does it make sense to fill any available surface with solar panels? A new study published in the journal Science Advances responds with a resounding no. Researchers from Harvard, Rutgers and Stony Brook universities have developed a computational model that, after analyzing five years of US power grid data, reveals that the climate impact of solar energy depends directly on its location.
Solar panels: Not all megawatts are the same
The study shows that Each kilowatt-hour generated with solar energy can have a very different effect in the reduction of CO₂ emissions, according to the region in which it is installed. In areas with high dependence on fossil fuels, such as coal or gas, replacement by solar energy immediately and significantly reduces pollution.
On the other hand, in regions whose energy matrix is already relatively clean thanks to the presence of nuclear energy, hydroelectric or natural gas less polluting The impact of adding solar panels is much lower.
The areas where solar energy compensates for the most
The researchers identified that states such as California, Florida, Texas, the West and Southwest medium They obtain an outstanding climate performance by integrating new solar capacity. Each panel installed there directly replaces coal or gas energy, achieving a drastic reduction in emissions.
In contrast, in places like New England or Tennessee, the additional benefit is limited, since the electricity generated there already comes from sources with less carbon footprint.
The contagion effect: benefits beyond the region
One of the most surprising findings of the model is what researchers call contagion effect. Install solar energy in a state not only cleanses its own electricity grid, but also that of neighboring regions.
A clear example is California, An increase of 15 % in its solar capacity reduced daily emissions in the northwest in 913 tons and in the southwest in 1,942 tons. In practice, investing in solar panels in the Arizona desert can translate into cleaner air for Oregon.
A smarter roadmap for energy transition
The message of this investigation is clear, The solar deployment strategy must prioritize climatic profitability. It is not about installing solar panels everywhere, but about doing it where each new megavatio has a greater impact on the reduction of global emissions.
In a context of limited resources and climatic urgency, This data -based optimization and artificial intelligence can make a difference in the fight against climate change.