Are photovoltaic panels harmful to health?
Ecology
11 April 2023
In Poland, there is an increasing shift away from highly harmful fossil fuels such as coal and lignite towards renewable energy sources. A commonly chosen alternative to fossil fuels is photovoltaics, which nevertheless still raises some concerns. Photovoltaics and health - are photovoltaic panels harmful to health?
Are photovoltaic panels harmful - panel technology
The operation of photovoltaic panels is emission-free and in no way poses a risk to humans, animals or the environment. Whether you decide to install a single module or an entire photovoltaic farm, the harmfulness of such a project is zero. A very common issue that worries potential owners of a photovoltaic installation is electromagnetic radiation. Do photovoltaic panels generate magnetic fields? Yes, the operation of the panels generates an electromagnetic field, but it is non-ionising. This means that it has no negative impact on the environment or on the health of those in the vicinity.
What the impact of photovoltaics on human health is, however, comes down to the manufacturing process of the panels. The materials used such as hydrochloric acid are toxic substances with explosive properties. Furthermore, when photovoltaic modules are manufactured, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. However, its emissions are much lower than those from burning fossil fuels. It is estimated that from the time of manufacture to the disposal of the panels, they will generate an average of 50-60 g CO2e per 1 kWh. In comparison, nearly as much as 1,000 g CO2e is required to produce 1 kWh from carbon fuels.
Photovoltaic panels and the risk of fire and electric shock
The relationship between photovoltaic panels and the magnetic field is not the only thing that potential users are concerned about. The concern about the harmfulness of solar panels often relates to the risk of fire. Photovoltaic modules available on the Polish market must meet all fire protection requirements, so it is a myth that they increase the risk of lightning strikes and roof fires. It is also possible to purchase non-flammable panels.
Another issue is the risk of electrocution. Larger photovoltaic installations generate DC voltages of up to 1,000 volts. This is dangerous above all for people installing and maintaining the system. With the operation of correctly made and installed photovoltaic panels, this risk is negated. The use of anti-shock, short-circuit and lightning protection systems therefore dispels any doubts about whether photovoltaic panels are harmful to health.
Are photovoltaic panels harmful - disposal and recycling of photovoltaic panels?
Photovoltaic panels contain hazardous elements, but these are not harmful until the components of the installation are left undamaged. The question of whether photovoltaics are harmful to health therefore depends on the proper disposal of the panels. The whole process should not be undertaken alone - it is the manufacturer's responsibility to collect the modules and then recycle or dispose of them.
Of course, it is better if the manufacturer of the solar panels assumes that they are recycled, which includes the reuse of as many materials as possible, including aluminium or silicon. The choice of such a process plays a key role in caring for the environment and helps to negate the negative relationship between the life cycle of photovoltaic panels and health. The answer to the question of whether photovoltaics are healthy therefore depends on the manufacturing process of the panels, their operation and disposal methods.
Many doubts about whether photovoltaic panels are safe stem from fears and myths about new technologies. Such an investment will allow you to accumulate savings and contribute to reducing pollution leading to environmental degradation.
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