For many homeowners, one of the main motivations for switching to solar energy is its environmental friendliness. Thus, when using solar energy, the level of total greenhouse gas emissions (for example, carbon dioxide) is reduced, carbon emissions are reduced.
But not everyone thinks that there is another side to the issue. The panels require caustic chemicals such as sodium hydroxide and hydrofluoric acid to manufacture, and the manufacturing process uses water, electricity and emits greenhouse gases. All this also creates waste. And although the panels themselves do not emit any toxins into the atmosphere, they can harm the environment during the production and disposal stages. Left unaddressed, these problems could undermine expectations that solar energy will help fight climate change and have a positive impact on the environment as a whole.
What you need to know about the toxicity of solar panels
Solar panels are not directly toxic, and using them for your needs does not pose a health risk.
Potentially harmful chemicals are used in the production of panels. At the end of the panels ‘ useful life, manufacturers or specialized companies must dispose of them and take care not to harm the environment.
What chemicals are used in the production of panels and are they dangerous?
The main material used today for solar cells is silicon, which is obtained from quartz. In order to make it suitable for the manufacture of solar cells, quartz is mined and heated in a furnace – as a result of combustion, sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide are released into the atmosphere.
Also in the manufacturing process, some chemicals are used to prepare the silicon and make the wafers. One of the most toxic by-products of this process is silicon tetrachloride. If handled carelessly and not following certain safety precautions, this chemical can cause skin burns, toxic air pollution that can cause lung disease. When interacting with water, silicon tetrachloride can release hydrochloric acid. This compound is a very caustic substance that is not safe for human health and the environment. Fortunately, technology exists today to safely process silicon tetrachloride into new silicon wafers. This technology is currently used by most solar panel manufacturers, thereby eliminating risks to human health and the environment.
The “lion’s share” of the panels used in solar installations are silicon-based safety panels. But thin-film panels contain additional toxic materials, such as cadmium telluride, copper-indium-gallium selenide. By the way, these materials are used in the manufacturing process for many other electronic devices – mobile phones or laptops – that also require special disposal. Thin film panels are not very common in the residential sector due to their properties and characteristics, more often used on a large scale – for commercial or utility needs.
Despite all of the above, you should not be afraid to use solar panels. It is simply important to know all these points, to be responsible in choosing a manufacturer , installer, maintenance and disposal of panels. Harmful substances that may be in the panels are dangerous by direct contact, inhalation, skin or mucous membranes. The panels themselves do not pose a threat during operation. Concern about their toxicity is necessary during the manufacturing process of panels and removal of by-products of production, when panels are cracked or broken, and also at the end of their useful life.
Responsible solar cell manufacturers ensure that the chemicals used in the manufacturing process are properly handled. Although international practice has shown that in the past, unfortunately, there were cases of the release of substances hazardous to nature, and they occurred in various parts of the world (for example, in China). Such incidents caused a public outcry and even a drop in the share price of the producers responsible for the pollution. As a result, solar panel companies have begun to implement stricter rules and regulations regarding the recycling and disposal of panels in order to protect against such troubles in the future.
Why are solar panels considered environmentally friendly if they use toxic substances in their production?
During the life cycle of a solar system, the majority of greenhouse gas emissions occur during the production process. As the production of solar panels, and indeed the panels themselves, become more efficient, technologies improve, the carbon footprint is significantly reduced: according to studies conducted by scientists over the past 40 years, total emissions from the production of solar panels have decreased by 17-24 percent every time the solar power is doubled.
If you plan to benefit the environment by switching to solar energy, rest easy – although the production of solar panels leads to greenhouse gas emissions, solar plants are still much better for the environment than other energy generation options, such as those associated with the use of coal or gas.
Despite the fact that solar panels, like other electronics, are manufactured using toxic materials and even contain them, the negative effects can be minimized. Silicon tetrachloride, mentioned above as one of the most toxic chemicals used in panel production, is commonly recycled by manufacturers to save money. They can use this by-product to create more polysilicon and thus more panels. Many other toxic chemicals and products in solar panels can also be recycled.
Recycling panels at the end of their life is a necessity and a growing trend worldwide. Some manufacturers (such as SunPower and First Solar, for example) already offer global solar panel recycling programs to their customers. But most manufacturers do not yet have such programs or are working on their development. They still have time for this, because while the bulk of the panels installed in the world are still usable and generate electricity (mainly, solar panels began to be actively installed in the late 90s and early 2000s).
It is expected that due to the growing popularity of solar energy and the gradual deterioration of operating solar plants, recycling programs will be actively developed both by manufacturing companies and at the state level. But already now, when purchasing solar panels, consider the reputation of the manufacturer and installer, ask if they pay attention to the environment, the problem of recycling and disposal of panels. After all, if you need a truly “green energy”, be consistent in this matter.