PE Environmental Engineers Make the World Cleaner with Solar Panels

Solar panels have increasingly become more powerful within the past decade as well as increasingly popular. One of the main reasons solar panels have become so popular is because of their environmental friendliness. By using solar panels, CO2 emissions and any other waste product emissions are significantly reduced, which contributes to a more stable environment.ⁱ 

Another reason solar panels have become so popular is because of their increased efficiency. "In 2012, solar cells could convert 15% of the energy hitting them from the sun into power. As of 2018, the efficiency of the most advanced solar cells is closer to 23%, while average solar cells for residential use are around 18.7% efficient," an article about solar power reported.ⁱⁱ Because of the increased efficiency, thanks to PE Environmental engineers, users of solar panels can save a significant amount of money on energy bills. We break down why in an infographic below:

Interested in developing solar panels? Become a Professional Environmental engineer! To become a licensed environmental engineer, one must take and pass both the FE Environmental and PE Environmental exams. School of PE provides both FE and PE Environmental exam review courses to assist those who are interested in becoming licensed. 

Through years of experience preparing exam review courses and obtaining student feedback, School of PE has formulated and strategized what really makes the best review course, and we believe School of PE provides the right tools and expertise to help students pass their exams. 

If you are interested in pursuing a career in environmental engineering and want to prepare for the FE and PE Environmental exams, check out School of PE!

References 

i. Tsoutsos T, Frantzeskaki N, Gekas V. Environmental impacts from the solar energy technologies. Energy Policy 2005;33:289-96.

ii. Zientara, B. How much electricity does a solar panel produce? Retrieved from https://www.solarpowerrocks.com/ solar-basics/how-much electricity-does-a solar-panel-produce/

iii. NREL. Solar Maps. Retrieved from https://www.nrel.gov/gis/solar.html