With the growing number of solar panels installed in the US, it’s timely to consider some of the inherent risks associated with solar panels and solar panel installation. There was a 10% rise in the delivery of solar photovoltaic panels in the United States in 2022 compared to 2021, establishing a new yearly milestone of 31.7 million peak kilowatts (kW). Between 2023 and 2027, residential solar energy is expected to experience an annual growth ranging from 6,000 to 7,000 MW, according to predictions by SEIA (Solar Energy Industries Association).
While solar panels pose minimal danger when handled correctly, they are not a failsafe energy solution. In fact, there are several unavoidable dangers of using solar panels relating to electrical emergencies, harming the environment, and fire risks. It’s critical that solar panels are installed in compliance with regulations and consistently serviced thereafter to avoid either personal harm, damage to property, or damage to the environment.
The seven most prominent dangers of using solar panels are listed below.
- Dangerous toxic chemicals
- Electrical malfunction
- Stored Energy in Batteries
- Land Degradation
- Harm to the Environment
- Danger of Grounding
- Danger of Fire
A major danger regarding solar panels is the electrical hazards that often result in electrical shocks or fires. The risk of these types of hazards is significantly increased in the case of faulty installation or improper wiring. For this reason, it is imperative to ensure that all safety protocols are followed when installing solar panels, and that the licensed electrician hired to fit the system has experience doing so. By performing regular maintenance and inspections, the risks of solar panel dangers due to electrical malfunction are significantly mitigated.
Grounding is another precaution taken to mitigate the risk of solar panel fires. Grounding is the requirement that all current-carrying sections of the solar system be anchored to the ground, typically via a copper rod inserted into the earth. Grounding ensures that high voltages during electrical emergencies are directed away from the solar system and towards the Earth.
Beyond the risk of electrical emergencies, solar panels have long-lasting environmental consequences. Large solar systems, primarily utility-scale solar installations, and concentrated solar power plants, require 3.5 to 16.5 acres of land per megawatt. The substantial amount of land that large solar systems require contributes to land degradation, whereby areas of fertile soil are compromised, as they are no longer usable for producing food in the future. Additionally, solar energy has a higher carbon footprint than other types of renewable energy.
There are several hazardous chemicals used in the manufacturing process of solar panels, such as cadmium telluride, cadmium indium gallium (di)selenide, and silicon tetrachloride, as well as greenhouse gasses like sulfur hexafluoride released into the atmosphere during production.
Moreover, solar panels are often unable to be discarded in regular landfills if the toxic chemicals they contain leach into the soil. Due to the presence of glass, aluminum, silicon, copper, lead, and cadmium, solar panels are difficult to dispose of or recycle in an environmentally friendly manner.
Read on for more detailed information on the seven main dangers of solar panels.
1. Dangerous Toxic Chemicals
A number of dangerous toxic chemicals are used in the manufacturing of solar panels, such as cadmium telluride, cadmium indium gallium (di)selenide, and silicon tetrachloride. These chemicals do not pose any danger to human health unless they are sourced, handled, or disposed of incorrectly. The best way to avoid the dangerous toxic chemicals associated with conventional solar panels is to find a solar energy company that uses non-toxic and eco-friendly equipment.
Exposure to the hazardous materials used to make solar panels causes several health complications, according to the article “Toxic Chemicals in Solar Panels,” published in 2018 by Professor David H. Nguyen on the Sciencing website. Cadmium telluride is used in the panels to convert sunlight into electricity. Exposure to cadmium telluride causes serious lung irritation and often leads to long-term impairment of lung function. Silicon tetrachloride is another chemical produced by the manufacturing of solar panels.
If not handled and disposed of correctly, silicon tetrachloride causes burns if it comes into contact with the skin, produces harmful air pollutants that increase the risk of lung disease, and releases hydrochloric acid when exposed to water. Solar panels also contain a small amount of lead to solder the different electronic components together, which is very toxic. There is, however, a global scheme to limit lead-based soldering to only 50% of solar panels being produced, according to the report “International Technology Roadmap for Photovoltaic,” published in 2019.
2. Electrical malfunction
There are two main types of electrical malfunctions that cause solar panels to be dangerous, which are operation faults, like inverter failure and total system failure, as well as installation faults stemming from incorrect wiring or configuration.
Inverter failure occurs when the panel's output voltage exceeds the inverter's input voltage during operation. The inverter becomes overheated when it fails, which simultaneously damages the component and increases the risk of fire. Total system failure is another operation fault, whereby the solar panels stop generating power as a result of overloading, a damaged component, or broken panels. Solar panels have multiple electrical components that sometimes fail, including switches, fuses, and wiring. In the case of electrical malfunction, all the faulty parts need to be replaced quickly with new elements that match the system’s requirements.
Installation faults refer to any issues resulting from the way the solar system is installed. For example, the solar system becomes overloaded when the panels are not matched to the inverter, and produce more power than it is equipped to handle. Overloaded solar systems cause a home’s circuit breaker to 'trip,' which refers to the flow of current in an electric circuit being stopped when there is an issue. Improper installations, using loose or defective wires, not only 'trip' the house's circuit but cause fuses to melt in extreme cases.
Matching the solar system to the existing electrical installations already in the home is an essential consideration. For example, an outdated circuit breaker often requires a panel upgrade in order to accommodate a solar system. There are three rules of thumb to follow when assessing if the existing electric panel is suitable for a solar system: it has to have available breaker slots, it has to be able to handle the electrical load of the solar system, and it has to abide by the 120% rule that any additional power sources (including the solar system) cannot generate more than 20% additional energy.
International safety standards are another essential consideration when installing a solar system, the most important mandate being that all solar panels must be earthed. Earthing refers to the process of connecting the non-current-carrying components of the solar system to the earth, using an earthing component dug into a small hole in the ground beneath the components. If solar panels aren’t earthed, then they are vulnerable to electrical surges.
3. Stored Energy in Batteries
Solar batteries have the potential to overheat and catch fire, which poses a risk to people or animals in their vicinity, as well as the surrounding environment. Solar energy batteries store up to 10 kilowatt hours (kWh) of power, but the substantial amount of electricity they contain is only dangerous when they are poorly installed or maintained.
All solar batteries have some level of toxicity. Different types of solar batteries have different dangers. Lead-acid solar batteries become dangerous when they are consistently over or under-charged because the resulting chemical imbalance causes acid to leak from the bank and flammable hydrogen gas to be released. The toxic fumes released by lead-acid solar batteries when they are overcharged present a fire and explosion hazard, while the sulphuric acid that leaks from the bank destroys skin and clothes.
Flow battery systems are also susceptible to leaking, typically due to manufacturing flaws. Regardless of their potential for leaking, flow battery systems contain the safest and lowest fire-risk chemistry of any solar battery type. Lithium-ion solar panels are particularly volatile because they are prone to thermal runaway, wherein the battery generates internal heat faster than it is released. Thermal runaway causes the solar batteries to overheat, damaging their hardware, and potentially bursting into flames.
Some types of solar batteries are made with chemicals or materials that are dangerous when outside of the bank. Nickel-based solar batteries contain cadmium, which is a chemical element that is hazardous to plants in high concentrations and causes respiratory issues in humans. Overcharging nickel-based solar batteries causes toxic fumes to be produced. On the other hand, lithium-ion solar batteries pose a risk to the environment because they rely on mineral mining. Mining for the materials required for lithium-ion solar batteries uses a significant amount of water and energy, as well as pollutes the surrounding soil, air, and water. Lithium-ion solar batteries are very environmentally hazardous, making them difficult to dispose of safely.
4. Land Degradation
Land degradation is the official term for the loss of fertile soil due to unsustainable farming practices. For example, the use of toxic pesticides and fertilizers in agriculture causes nitrogen to leak into the soil, which compromises its fertility. Approximately 24 billion tons of fertile soil are lost every year due to land degradation, according to a report published by the Global Environment Facility in 2019.
One danger of solar panels is that they contribute to land degradation, specifically utility-scale solar installations and concentrated solar power (CSP) plants. Large solar systems require a lot of land, with acreage requirements ranging between 3.5 to 16.5 per megawatt.
The problem is that once a solar system has been established on a plot of land, the land cannot be used for farming in the future. Therefore, large solar systems should be built on lower-quality sites that have already been degraded to give purpose to the obsolete land, avoid compromising soil that could later be used for producing food, and protect the existing ecosystem.
5. Harm to the Environment
The increased uptake of solar energy, evidenced by the growing number of residential solar systems being installed, is crucial for reducing emissions. However, solar energy has a substantially higher carbon footprint than other types of renewable energy. Solar panels release nitrogen trifluoride, a chemical that is 17,000 times worse for the atmosphere than carbon dioxide, according to the article “Nitrogen Trifluoride Now Required in GHG Protocol Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventories” published by the World Resources Institute on May 22nd, 2013.
Two stages in the life cycle of solar panels affect the environment adversely: manufacturing and disposal. First, a number of toxic and greenhouse gases are released during the manufacturing process. Fossil fuels, heavy machinery, and thermal processes are used to extract and convert raw materials to make solar panels. Second, when solar panels are decommissioned and dismantled, their components are often discarded in landfills.
6. Danger of Grounding
Grounding refers to the process of anchoring the hardware of the solar system to the ground, typically using a copper rod inserted into the earth. In order to be properly grounded, two conditions must be fulfilled. First, there must be at least one current-carrying conductor connected to the ground. Second, all exposed metal parts of the system must be grounded, regardless of voltage.
Grounding ensures that there is a strong connection between the building’s electrical system and the earth. Electricity follows the path of least resistance, so in the case of an electrical hazard, you want the high voltage to go toward the Earth rather than toward the solar system. Ineffective grounding results in power loss when the electrical system is under load.
Grounding the solar system prevents lightning and electrical hazards from causing danger. Grounding differs from earthing, because earthing refers to the process of connecting the non-current-carrying components of the solar system to the Earth, whereas grounding refers to connecting the current-carrying components.
7. Danger of Fire
In extreme circumstances, solar panels catch fire and pose a danger to the surrounding environment. The three main things that cause fire are loose or poorly connected wiring, inadequate ground connection, and the use of parts not matched to the unit. Additionally, when roof cables become overheated and are not properly enclosed and secured, they can cause a fire. The connectors are exposed to dust and adverse weather, which causes damage and corrosion. Extreme weather like storms, cyclones, and floods also pose risks for the panels.
The system sometimes continues generating voltage after an extreme weather event, even if the network supply has been turned off, so homeowners should call in a professional after a storm. The risk of spontaneous combustion increases as the heat produced by the device increases. It is essential to schedule regular solar system servicing, in order to prevent these hazards.
What are the advantages of Solar Panels?
In recent years, solar energy systems have become popular for their ability to reduce household carbon footprint while simultaneously reducing electricity bills. Solar panels convert light from the sun into usable electricity rather than relying on finite fossil fuels, making them a compelling option for homeowners interested in renewable energy.
The seven main advantages of solar panels include providing renewable energy, lowering electricity bills, lowering maintenance costs, adapting to technological advances, increasing home value, providing backup energy with batteries installed, and facilitating tax credits and rebates. The advantages of solar panels extend beyond their part in a wider campaign to make your household more sustainable, to significantly reducing your electricity bill.
Installing solar panels not only lowers your energy bill by minimizing your household’s dependence on costly electricity from private utility companies but entitles you to tax credits and rebates as well. For example, net metering is an arrangement in which solar panel owners are compensated financially for the extra electricity they produce that is returned to the grid.
An alternative to net metering is having batteries installed, which allows solar panel owners to store excess power for emergencies, periods of lower sunlight, or peak energy demand times that would otherwise result in high electricity rates. The excess energy generated by solar panels, when stored in solar batteries, maximizes self-sufficiency and serves as a supply of sustainable backup power.
Despite having relatively low maintenance costs, at $150 to $350 for the annual maintenance of a residential solar system, installing solar panels adds substantial value to your property. Homes with solar panels sell for 4.1% more than those not equipped with solar energy, according to a study done in 2019 by Zillow, a US real estate giant. Installing solar panels increases your home value, as the option for sustainable energy is incredibly desirable to potential buyers. Additionally, advancements in panel efficiency, energy storage, and smart solar systems ensure the initial investment in a solar system remains profitable for decades to come as the technology improves.
What are the things to consider when using Solar Panels?
There are five main things to consider when using solar panels. These considerations include location, required energy usage, condition of the roof, the cost versus time of installation, and quality of installation.
More information on each of the 5 solar panel use considerations is below.
- Location: It is essential to consider the location of the panels when installing a solar system. Solar panels need to be placed to get as much light as possible, as the sun rays move around the building during the day. Sunlight coverage is measured in average annual sunlight distribution, which is used to make a judgment about how efficient the panels would be if they were placed in that location. Built-up areas with obstructions like tall buildings and trees are not suitable for solar panels.
- Required energy usage: The required energy usage of a home depends on its size, number of rooms, and occupancy. Solar systems should be able to handle current and future energy demands. There are two ways that solar energy is used to meet the needs of a household: it is used as a standalone energy source that enables the residence to go off-grid, or it is used as a way to complement the supply from the main grid. The property is either totally or partially disconnected from the main grid. In order to determine whether solar energy is able to replace grid power, panel efficiency needs to be taken into account. If the rate of conversion from solar energy into electrical energy is not fast enough, then the panels are not efficient, and there is minimal money being saved.
- Condition of the roof: Residential solar panels are typically roof-mounted, adding approximately 20 kilograms of weight per panel. The roof must be able to support this addition. If the roof is damaged in any way, with regards to rot, infestation, or woodworm, then it will need reinforcing before solar panels are installed.
- Cost versus time of installation: Homeowners should consider how long they plan to stay in a certain residence, before installing solar panels. It will take a number of years,, often between five and six, for the cost of installation to be offset by the savings from the reductions in the electricity bill. Even with the rebates and tax cuts offered by several governments, solar panels are not a wise investment if you aren’t planning to stay at the residence for an extended time.
- Quality of installation: The only way to ensure the safe and efficient installation of solar panels is to hire qualified technicians to fit them. If fitted correctly, solar panels are not any more dangerous than traditional electrical installations, according to a press release shared by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems in 2013. Ideally, the installers will be an accredited solar panel installation company, reputable with several years in business and numerous customer testimonies. Reliable solar panel installers offer substantial warranties, for up to 10 years. Additionally, they offer regular servicing and maintenance of the systems. It is safe to assume that a solar panel installer will ensure a quality installation if they fulfill all of these criteria.
How to safely store Solar Energy Batteries?
Solar energy batteries store large amounts of electrical energy, which can be hazardous if the battery is not properly installed according to federal and state regulatory standards. Solar panel batteries allow you to store the excess electricity generated by your solar panels for later use. Proper installation is essential to ensure the safety of solar battery storage. It is crucial that the batteries are regularly inspected and maintained to ensure that the system functions properly and avoids overheating or electrical malfunction.
The three main steps to follow to safely store solar energy batteries are outlined below.
- Store the battery at an appropriate temperature: Solar panel batteries come with a recommended temperature from their manufacturer, which ensures their optimal performance. Solar batteries need to be protected from extreme weather. For example, it’s important to store batteries in an insulated building or buried in the ground (below the depth to which the soil will freeze), if freezing temperatures are expected. Solar batteries should at least be stored indoors if temperatures above the highest recommended temperature of the component are expected. The solar energy batteries must be kept in a ventilated room, away from direct sunlight and any other appliances that create heat.
- Install the battery in a secluded location: Solar energy batteries should not be stored in areas that are frequented by household residents, especially children or pets. The battery should only be accessible to technicians inspecting or performing maintenance on the hardware. Uninformed tampering with the panel or charge controller often causes overheating and potentially fire.
- Check the necessary airflow. Different types of solar energy batteries have different ventilation requirements. The specific airflow needed by a battery is included in its manufacturer guidelines. It is critical that batteries be installed in locations that allow sufficient airflow to reach them, as outlined in the instructions. For example, flooded lead acid batteries must be stored outdoors (in a vented enclosure or battery box) because of the highly explosive hydrogen gas they release while in use.
Where can I store Charged Solar Energy Batteries?
Solar energy batteries are best stored in well-ventilated areas that are free from moisture, dust, and excessive heat. For this reason, solar batteries are typically installed in a garage (attached or detached), on an exterior wall (at a minimum of three feet away from doors or windows), or in a utility closet. Consult the standards for the installation of battery systems published by the Solar Energy Industries Association if in any doubt about how to store charged solar energy batteries.
How to properly dispose of Solar Panel Parts?
Proper disposal of solar panel parts is best done by recycling them, a process which is still relatively difficult and expensive. The environmental benefit of recycling is that it allows the raw materials within solar panels to be reused, instead of being sent to landfills where they have the potential to leech harmful toxins like lead and cadmium.
The three main stages of recycling solar panels are reusing or refurbishing, mechanical recycling, and chemical recycling. More information on each of the three main steps of solar panel disposal is listed below.
- Reusing or refurbishing: Reusing or refurbishing solar panels refers to breaking them down into their different components, and using those recovered materials elsewhere. Solar panels produce far less energy when they are reused after their warranty has expired, so this option is only suitable for small applications like small off-grid systems (e.g., campervan rooftop) or small solar chargers (e.g., electric bike stations). Solar panels that are still functional are resold as a used product, online or to friends.
- Mechanical recycling: Mechanical recycling is the process of physically breaking down solar panels into their different materials. For example, removing the aluminum framing from a panel and grinding the remaining glass, silicon, and writing into a mixture to be remelted. This process produces a material called cullet, which has many applications but is most popular as a building material.
- Chemical recycling: Chemical recycling refers to separating the solar panels into their different materials at a molecular level. Chemical recycling extracts silicon cells and specialty metals (e.g., silver, tin, lead, copper) silver.
Are there establishments that take Damaged Solar Panel Parts?
Yes, there are several US companies and organizations that recycle damaged solar panel parts. These include Cleanlites Recycling, METech Recycling, TT&E Iron & Metal, and United Scrap, all of which are actively promoting sustainable disposal options for old solar panels.
Cleanlites Recycling, with locations in South Carolina, Ohio, Minnesota, and Michigan, accepts old solar panels and related equipment to prevent them from ending up in landfills. In North Carolina, METech Recycling, TT&E Iron & Metal, and United Scrap are working to facilitate the recycling of unwanted solar panels.
Recycle PV Solar, based in Nevada, offers a user-friendly option to recycle solar modules from across the U.S., with a process that recaptures over 90% of the materials. Manufacturers like SunPower and First Solar run global recycling programs to simplify the disposal of their units. Santee Cooper's EmpowerSolar program in Nevada provides flexible options for harnessing solar energy at home.
What are the safety precautions when performing maintenance of Solar Panels?
As a form of electrical equipment, it’s essential to be aware of the safety requirements surrounding solar panel maintenance. The three main safety precautions to consider when performing panel maintenance are testing and de-energizing circuits before starting work, refraining from maintenance in bad weather to prevent electrical hazards, and utilizing safety gear such as insulated tools and protective clothing.
First, working with solar systems poses the same risks as working with any electric system. Therefore, you should approach performing maintenance of solar panels with the same caution. It is imperative that you de-energize all circuits before working on them, which is tested using a meter or circuit test device, and it is imperative that you use insulated tools. You should never perform electrical maintenance without the appropriate safety gear, including hard hats, gloves, and steel-toed shoes with rubber soles. Second, solar panel maintenance should never be done in bad weather.
It is unsafe to repair electrical appliances during any downpour because the rainwater often conducts electricity. Performing maintenance of solar panels in rainy weather sometimes causes the technician to get electrical shocks. Third, residential solar panels are typically installed on the roof of the house. When performing maintenance of solar panels on roofs, harnesses, lifelines, safety nets, rubber mats, and a spotter are essential.
Solar panel maintenance is important because dirt, debris, and dust accumulate on their surface, reducing the amount of energy that the panels produce. Additionally, snow and ice accumulate on solar panels in winter months. Performing maintenance on solar panels allows you to track their performance, address any issues promptly, and check that all the wires and connections are in working condition. A prolonged drop in the energy production of a panel signals that it needs maintenance.
How to perform safe cleaning of Solar Panels?
You need to take the same safety measures when cleaning solar panels as you do for cleaning any electrical system, like wearing protective equipment, using the correct tools, consulting manufacturer guidelines, and disconnecting all components from the power before working on them.
Additionally, you should refrain from cleaning solar panels with liquid soap in two circumstances. It is not recommended to clean solar panels on sunny days, as their surface becomes very hot and burns to the touch. It is not safe to clean solar panels with liquid soap if there is any loose wiring, because there is a risk of electric shock.
The six main steps for ensuring safety when cleaning solar panels are provided below.
- Take the necessary safety precautions. Solar systems are electrical systems, so you should approach cleaning a solar panel with the same caution that you would approach cleaning any other electrical system. You should wear appropriate safety gear, use insulated tools, and turn off or disconnect all panels from the grid before working on them.
- Check the manufacturer’s guidelines. All solar panels come with instructions that outline any specific cleaning requirements or precautions you often need to take. For example, some cleaning agents are not appropriate for some types of solar panels.
- Choose an appropriate time. The weather is an important consideration when cleaning solar panels because the surface of the panels becomes very hot if the temperature is high. The soap becomes too hot too and evaporates before you have wiped it away.
- Gather the correct equipment. Four main supplies are needed to clean solar panels, including a specialized solar panel cleaning solution (or a mild soap if no cleaner is on hand), a soft cloth, a soft-bristled brush, and a squeegee. In addition, you’ll need water and a bucket, which most people have on hand in the household already.
- Inspect the panels before cleaning. There are some loose wiring or connections that need to be addressed before applying any liquid to the panels, in order to reduce the risk of electric shock.
- Avoid damaging the panels. The surface of solar panels is very delicate, so you should only apply light pressure when cleaning them. When drying the panels, you should use a soft cloth or light strokes of a squeegee to remove the remaining water droplets.
When is the right time to clean solar panels?
The right time to clean solar panels is twice a year, such as once in autumn, and once in spring. Leaves, tree sap, and bird droppings fall onto the solar panels during the warmer seasons, meaning they need cleaning in autumn. A layer of grit and dirt is left behind by rainwater that falls during the winter, meaning they need cleaning in spring. Cleaning your solar panels ensures there is no debris reducing the surface area that converts sunlight into electricity.
The optimal weather for cleaning solar panels is clear and sunny, but not too warm. Hot weather poses two main risks when cleaning solar panels. In sunny weather conditions, the surface of the panel becomes very hot and burn the skin. Second, the detergent often evaporates before you wipe it away, leaving smears or residue which reduces the panels’ efficiency.
The surface of solar panels is very delicate, which means there are specific tools needed to clean them safely. There are four crucial supplies to gather when you are planning to clean your solar panels: a specialized solar panel cleaning solution (or a mild soap if there is no cleaner on hand), a soft cloth, a soft-bristled brush, and a squeegee.
Are Solar Panels hazardous?
Yes, solar panels are hazardous. Several hazardous chemicals, like cadmium telluride, cadmium indium gallium (di)selenide, and silicon tetrachloride, are used in the manufacturing of solar panels. It is crucial that solar panels are assembled, installed, and disposed of correctly to minimize human exposure to the toxic chemicals contained within them. Additionally, solar panels contain extensive electrical circuitry that is susceptible to malfunction if not serviced regularly. The only way to ensure the safe and efficient functioning of your solar panels is to hire qualified technicians to fit and maintain them.