Is solar energy really super "clean"?

Is solar energy really super "clean"?

If you look at PV solar individually, it is one of the cleanest sources. 

But, what happens in real life points to another direction. 

PV solar depends of the local grid  - at night or even during hazy days - obviously.

If we look at this matter with a holistic approach, it means that there are two investments involved: the solar package and the local grid's power supply chain. 

Accordingly there are two (solar and grid) associated life cycle emissions costs to be accounted for.

Bottom line: regardless who is paying for each investment and who is bearing the emissions the end result is higher investments and higher emissions.

The conclusion is: we have to evaluate solutions considering the overall picture! That's what proven engineering practices teach us!