Environmental Dangers Of Solar Panels

The average lifespan of a solar panel is about 20 years but high temperatures as in the mojave desert can accelerate the aging process for solar cells and snow dust and other natural events tornadoes earthquakes can cause material fatigue on the surface and in the internal electric circuits gradually reducing the panel s power.

Environmental dangers of solar panels.

The potential environmental impacts associated with solar power land use and habitat loss water use and the use of hazardous materials in manufacturing can vary greatly depending on the technology which includes two broad categories. Chris morrison january 14 2009 12 25 am enterprise. Solar panels pose an environmental hazard claims report. Just one of scores of health impacts can be increased cancer risk.

Emf stands for manmade electromagnetic field s such as produce unnatural electric magnetic or rf microwave radiation in the environment. This risk will be higher if incorrect equipment or wiring has been used. Solar energy systems power plants do not produce air pollution water pollution or greenhouse gases. Little do people know that solar energy systems can be dangerous to their health due to the emf s emitted.

As safe as solar panels may seem consumers should remember that like with batteries fluorescent lights and some other consumer products improper handling and disposal of solar panels can create health and environmental risks. Automation and jobs read our latest special issue. One common compound in the industry is nitrogen trifluoride which is 17 000 times more potent than carbon dioxide at. Like wind power the sun provides a tremendous resource for generating clean and sustainable electricity.

The production of solar panels often involves extremely potent greenhouse gases. Evidence of solar power installations being the cause of a fire are limited but as with any electrical installation the risk exists particularly if a fault occurs. Using solar energy can have a positive indirect effect on the environment when solar energy replaces or reduces the use of other energy sources that have larger effects on the environment. The hazards of solar power include many hurdles the technology must overcome before it can truly fulfill its green potential.