In a recent episode of Landman, one of the characters goes on a passionate rant about wind turbines, solar panels, and lithium batteries. It’s intense, dramatic — and completely misleading.
Here’s the exact quote:
“You have any idea how much diesel we had to burn to mix that much concrete? Or make that steel? Or haul this sht out here and put it together with a 450-foot crane? You want to guess how much oil it takes to lubricate that f****** [windmill]? Or winterize it? In its 20-year lifespan, it won’t offset the carbon footprint of making it.”*
“And don’t even get me started on solar panels and the lithium in your Tesla batteries.”
This sounds persuasive. But the data tells a very different story.
Let’s fact-check it — point by point:
Claim: Wind and solar don’t offset their carbon footprint
Reality: According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, wind turbines typically “pay back” the emissions from production and installation within 6 months to 1 year. Solar panels range from 1–4 years, depending on the technology and location.
With lifespans of 25+ years, the emissions savings are massive.
Claim: Renewables require too much fossil fuel to buildReality: All infrastructure has an upfront carbon cost — including oil rigs and gas plants. The difference? Wind and solar don’t keep burning fuel. Once built, they generate power without emissions for decades.
Claim: Fossil fuels are more reliable
Reality: The 2021 Texas blackout was largely due to natural gas supply failures and unweatherized fossil fuel plants. Wind and solar outperformed forecasts during the crisis.
Claim: Lithium batteries and solar panels are worse for the environment
Reality: Battery tech isn’t perfect — but it's improving fast. Today’s systems are 90–95% recyclable, and solar recycling infrastructure is expanding. Meanwhile, the lifetime emissions of gas-powered generation remain 20x higher than renewables.
So why does this misinformation spread?
Because stories are powerful. A good scene on TV can shape public opinion faster than a fact sheet. But when it comes to your home, your business, or your farm — you deserve real numbers, not entertainment-driven exaggeration.
Bottom line:
Want to talk to someone who actually installs and services these systems locally?
We’re happy to walk you through how solar and hybrid systems actually work — no drama, no scripts, just facts.
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