Ah yes the natural photosynthic process of mining silica, aluminum and rare earth metals from deep in the earth's crust. Yes solar panels are more efficient than photosynthesis but they still require substantial systems built around them to function - plants not as much.

Still doesn't mean we can't have solar panels but we really shouldn't be ravaging the earth more just to satisfy our excessive energy usage. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle in that order.