Science Stats Environment

Air pollution takes a toll on solar energy

Tiny particles in the air and deposited on panels can block sunlight

Shanghai in October 2015

SMOG FOG  By blocking sunlight and dirtying solar panels, air pollution — as in this image of Shanghai on October 12, 2015 — can hamper the production of solar energy.

fazon1/iStockphoto

By Laurel Hamers

- More than 2 years ago

Air pollution is a drag for renewable energy. Dust and other sky-darkening air pollutants slash solar energy production by 17 to 25 percent across parts of India, China and the Arabian Peninsula, a new study estimates.