People often wonder, “Is this really as green as it looks?” when they see a large scale solar array with rows and rows of glass and metal. On the surface, it seems like a clear notion to use the sun for energy. But if you look a little closer, the story of the environment has both wonderful and bad parts.

First, let’s talk about the big picture. Solar panels don’t let out carbon dioxide or other pollutants as they spin off electrons. A single megawatt of solar electricity avoids hundreds of tons of pollution from the air every year, instead of coal. When you sum it all up for a 100-megawatt solar farm, it’s a lot of fresh air—enough to make a city full of noses and lungs happy.

There is no burning of fuel, and the amount of water needed is quite tiny compared to coal or nuclear plants, which need a lot of water. That’s a significant problem in the drier parts of the US. Solar panels don’t make any noise and don’t affect the rivers and streams.

But things don’t always go well. People do dispute about the land question. A lot of land is covered by big solar farms. We’re talking about hundreds, maybe even thousands, of acres. That is a lot of land that can’t be farmed or left alone. Panels might have to move animals and plants out of the road. Some people say that fields of blue are scars from industry, while others say they represent clean energy and more jobs in the area.

But developers are coming up with new plans. “agrivoltaics” is a new trend that combines solar panels and crops on the same piece of land. Sheep graze under the panels, while pollinator gardens grow well in the shade. Fields turn into eco-habitats that have two uses. Solar projects are turning old wastes and brownfields into sources of renewable energy, giving them a second chance.

Then there’s the story of the materials. You need power and basic components like glass, aluminum, and silicon to construct solar panels. Most of them can be recycled, but making supply chains more eco-friendly, using less energy, and recycling damaged or outdated modules might make things even more sustainable.

broader solar farms might not be the greatest choice in the broader picture. There isn’t an energy source that is. But they are far better for the environment because they don’t pollute the air, water, or land as much. If the light is on and the panels are still working, that’s a good story to tell, especially if you add some magic from sheep or wildflowers.