Can enough solar pannels decrease the global temps?
Can enough solar pannels decrease the global temps?
If all of mankind's energy was supplied through solar panels would the effect be big enough to decrease the temperature (since light is converted in part to electricity)?
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Yes, if the panels were in outer orbit, and mostly powering things outside our planet.
A little simplified energy cannot be destroyed only change form, each time it changes it loses a little bit of energy to heat. Over time that means all energy will become heat.
So the only way to not heat up the earth with energy is to either make sure it doesn't get to earth, or that we let it out.
Orbital solar cells could keep enough light from reaching earth to cool it, but releasing the energy dirtside would mostly cancel that out. So, we cover the earth orbit with panels and use them to fuel space things.
All of this requires more tech, a lot of resources and time to prepare though. And also a feasible way to store and use that energy in space. Maybe we shoot batteries at a moon base or orbital mining operation?
Or just shoot particles into the atmosphere to slightly shade the earth. Happens at every vulcanic eruption
Sulfur cools the planet but not by shading, it's more similar to how CO2 acts but in reverse.