Are Solar Panels Harmful To Your Health? (2024)

The growing adoption of solar energy has increased curiosity and concerns about its potential health effects. This article addresses the most common concerns and provides evidence-based information on the safety and benefits of solar energy.

The long-term health benefits of solar panels, including reduced pollution and lower carbon emissions, far outweigh the minimal risks associated with their use. Solar energy is a safe, reliable, and beneficial choice for homeowners.

Understanding the actual health effects of solar energy

With massive amounts of energy being produced on rooftops in The United States, many people are starting to wonder whether or not there are any major solar energy health effects on humans. Myths about radiation, chemical exposure, and other potential hazards can create unnecessary anxiety among homeowners.

In reality, the minor electromagnetic radiation created by (PV) photovoltaic solar panels is no different and even less present than the RF (radiofrequency) radiation emitted from the power lines connecting your property to the energy grid.

Thankfully, with new technologies, emerging solar panel recycling programs, and ongoing positive equity benefits, going solar has never been better for the environment, human health, and your investment portfolio.

Are solar panels safe on your roof?

Are solar panels dangerous? Residential solar has been growing steadily for over a decade without any accredited evidence of electromagnetic danger.

With years of experience and no major customer complaints, we can state that choosing a solar company with a solid reputation is the best way to reduce and eliminate any possible dangers solar panels may present if installed incorrectly. In Florida, PPM Solar exclusively installs high-quality equipment with industry-accepted practices to meet local building codes and our rigorous standards.

Do solar panels have any health risks?

While solar technology is generally considered safe, the public has raised certain health concerns, which typically fall into three categories: electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and radiation, chemical exposure from the materials used in solar panels, and the potential thermal impact on homes and neighborhoods.

Solar panels are made from various materials, including silicon (for most photovoltaic cells), aluminum (for the frame), and small amounts of other metals like cadmium and lead. These materials are encapsulated in protective layers, minimizing the risk of exposure under normal operating conditions.

Although some solar panels contain metals considered toxic in large quantities, it is very rare for humans to become exposed to these elements at any point in the equipment life cycle. In the best interest of our customers and the planet, PPM does not install solar panels manufactured with toxic materials. Instead, we use LED-free equipment without the Cadmium Telluride sometimes found in modern solar panels. Even further, we do not install high-voltage DC systems in residential neighborhoods.

The primary risk of chemical exposure occurs if a solar panel is damaged or begins to degrade with age. If the protective layers are compromised, hazardous materials like lead or cadmium could potentially be released. However, this risk is generally low, especially if panels are installed correctly and maintained properly.

To further mitigate any risk, it’s essential to handle solar panels carefully during installation, maintenance, and disposal. Recycling programs for solar panels are becoming more common, ensuring that harmful materials are safely removed and managed at the end of the panels’ useful life.

While any uninformed internet search may send you down the wrong path, we are here to tell you confidently that there are no human health risks associated with rooftop solar panels. Much like in electronics such as phones, computers, and other digital devices, the toxic materials in solar panels only threaten human health if sourced, handled, or disposed of incorrectly.

Do solar panels have electromagnetic radiation?

One of the most common concerns is the potential for solar panels to emit harmful electromagnetic fields (EMFs) or radiation. Since solar systems generate electricity from the sunlight, panels and their associated equipment, such as inverters and wiring, produce EMFs.

If you’re unfamiliar with the term, electromagnetic radiation is a kind of radiation in which electric and magnetic fields (EMF) travel in waves from natural and man-made sources. Some examples of electromagnetic radiation include radio waves, microwaves, and visible light.

However, the levels of EMF produced by solar panels are extremely low and comparable to those emitted by common household appliances like refrigerators and microwave ovens. While this sort of language may sound harmful to some, the World Health Organization reports that exposure to low-level electromagnetic fields has been studied extensively, with no evidence of any conclusive harm to human health.In the same sense that cell phones emit low levels of non-ionizing radiation, solar panels are completely harmless to human health.

Plus, you don’t carry your solar panels around in your pocket all day. Therefore, while it is true that solar panels create a small electromagnetic field, this should not be a concern for anyone living underneath or near an installation.

Do solar panels contribute to the heat island effect?

How solar panels affect roof temperature

Solar panels are known to absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity, which raises questions about whether they contribute to increased roof temperatures and the urban heat island effect. However, research shows that solar panels have a cooling effect on the roof. A study from the University of California, San Diego, found that solar panels can reduce the roof temperature by an average of 5 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. This cooling occurs because solar panels absorb sunlight that would otherwise hit the roof and convert it into energy, reducing the heat transferred to the building.

Urban Heat Islands and solar panels

Urban heat islands (UHIs) are areas within cities that experience higher temperatures than their rural surroundings due to human activities, buildings, and infrastructure. Solar panels are generally not a significant contributor to this phenomenon. The reflective properties of solar panels also play a role in minimizing their contribution to urban heating.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has also highlighted that solar panels installed with a gap between the roof surface and the panels can allow airflow, which cools both the roof and the panels themselves, reducing any potential contribution to the heat island effect.

Do solar panels cause cancer?

No. In a world where just about everything seems to cause cancer, solar energy adopters can rest assured that their rooftop panels will not create or add any unnecessary harm. For decades, studies have been performed to conclude that there are no associations between solar energy and cancer.

For rooftop installations and large solar farms, global public health researchers have found that solar panels do not cause cancer at any production level. So, if you are watching a large installation go up in your neighborhood and wonder, “Do solar farms increase your cancer risk?” you can calm your worries knowing that the effects are negligible, with no major links between the two.Likely, the emission reductions offset from your local power plant will directly benefit cleaner air in your neighborhood by reducing the burning of natural gas or coal.

Another misconception is that solar panels pollute the air through chemical emissions or other means. In reality, solar panels produce no emissions during operation. The only environmental impact comes from manufacturing, which is increasingly being addressed through cleaner production techniques and recycling programs.

With widespread adoption, solar panels may even help mitigate some health and cancerous risks associated with traditional energy production, such as pollution from arsenic, mercury, and other toxic chemicals – locally and globally.

Is solar energy safer than fossil fuels?

Solar panel system installations have little impact on those around them. As a carbon emission-free source of energy with very few moving parts, solar energy is a much stronger alternative for human health than electricity production from fossil fuels like coal and natural gas.

With a warranty period of 25 years and an expected lifespan of 30+ years, the environmental payback for a single solar energy system in Florida is surprisingly significant. Even when considering transport, manufacturing, and installation, residential solar systems can offset their environmental impact in under one year, with nearly 50 pounds of carbon sequestered yearly.

Residential and small-scale production

Opening the doors for small-scale emission-free power production, residential solar systems can keep homes electrified when grid energy is unavailable. As blackouts and outages can occur due to extreme weather events, solar energy’s rooftop clean energy production can help keep life-sustaining devices online. Additionally, by relying on solar panels for electricity generation, homeowners can reduce their electricity bills while supporting a more resilient power supply.

Commercial and Industrial Use

With widespread development on roofs and properties across the country, replacing fossil fuel production with solar energy will reduce the number of airborne pollutants currently harming humans and the environment. Fewer atmospheric pollutants reduce the risk of many diseases, including respiratory infections, lung cancer, pregnancy risks, etc.

From residential rooftops to commercial solar panels in Florida, the PPM mission remains to promote a cleaner future at all energy production and use levels. Helping those in our state and surrounding areas go solar together can prevent more human health risks that are already plaguing the larger energy industry today.

Working to increase our customer’s energy independence, we understand solar’s vital role in power resilience for homes and at scale. With wars overseas causing international energy crises, increased solar production is the perfect solution to reduce foreign fossil fuel dependency and avoid further geopolitical conflicts that could impact human health.

Regulatory standards for solar panel manufacturing

The solar panel industry is governed by robust regulatory standards and safety certifications to ensure that products are safe, reliable, and efficient. Several leading organizations set these standards, each contributing to solar panels’ overall safety and quality.

Beyond the manufacturing standards, the safety of a solar energy system also depends on proper installation and use. To ensure a safe installation:

1. Look for a contractor with a strong track record in your area, particularly with similar solar projects. Verify that they are licensed and insured.
2. Ask for references from previous clients and check their satisfaction with the work. A reputable contractor will be transparent and have a history of successful installations.
3. Ensure that the contractor provides a detailed, written contract outlining the scope of work, costs, timelines, and warranties to protect your investment and ensure the safety of your solar installation.

Final words

Solar panels are a healthy, safe, and effective alternative to other energy sources. Whether solar panels are installed on your roof or across the street from your home, you do not need to worry about any adverse effects that could negatively impact your health.

While it is true that some of the metals used to create solar panels can have detrimental effects on both human and environmental health, residential equipment contains minimal amounts of these elements, and you will not be exposed to them while they are producing electricity on your roof. Even more, the overall life cycle of solar is much better for global health concerns than continued investment in fossil fuels.

If you are in Florida and interested in installing solar panels for home use, a battery energy storage system, or an EV charging station for your home, PPM is here to help with all the equipment you need to join the renewable revolution safely. Please do not hesitate to contact us today to learn more.