5-6 years ago the energy needed to produce panels compared to their energy output reached parity. Now the energy needed to produce panels is 6-40 times less than a life time output of the panels. Today the energy input for producing and installing panels is less than the there energy output in most places. And with the efficiency gains in production of the panels and the efficiency gains of the panels electricity production every year the equation is getting better. As the world moves towards a energy mix with more renewables every year the solar power becomes cleaner. Where as most fossil fuels power production has stagnated and has little or no improvemets. With big oil and car companies spending money on politicians to not improve efficienies and decrease production.
With sustainable energy winning so clearly, it's getting more expensive to corrupt polititians though. I never thought China would be a great example for this.
And don't forget the improved energy mix that is feeding the manufacture of these panels. Within our lifetimes it may become possible to manufacture and install solar panels with mostly renewable energy.
