It takes 200kWh to produce a 100W panel. Within 30 years that panel produces about 26,000kWh with a capacity factor of 10%, so we are talking about a similar factor. Even crazier solar panels last longer then 30 years, but they do loose capacity over time. However that happens slowly, so a century old solar panel is possible.
The issue is that oil can be used right away, whereas renewables take decades to produce the power.
As for carbon capture plants do it no problem. Then we need to take the carbon from the plants, in processes like wood coal and store it. That works, but it takes too long. There are also industrial processes, which we know work. However none are fast and scalable enough to even make a dent in current emissions. It makes perfect sense to look into it to reduce the carbon content long term, but right now the cheapest way to reduce future carbon in the atmosphere is to use less fossil fuels.
It takes 200kWh to produce a 100W panel. Within 30 years that panel produces about 26,000kWh with a capacity factor of 10%, so we are talking about a similar factor. Even crazier solar panels last longer then 30 years, but they do loose capacity over time. However that happens slowly, so a century old solar panel is possible.
The issue is that oil can be used right away, whereas renewables take decades to produce the power.
As for carbon capture plants do it no problem. Then we need to take the carbon from the plants, in processes like wood coal and store it. That works, but it takes too long. There are also industrial processes, which we know work. However none are fast and scalable enough to even make a dent in current emissions. It makes perfect sense to look into it to reduce the carbon content long term, but right now the cheapest way to reduce future carbon in the atmosphere is to use less fossil fuels.