In Poland, recent years have brought about an exceptionally dynamic increase in interest in renewable sources of energy, which are indisputably dominated by photovoltaic systems. The increased popularity of home solar systems has led to many questions on their effect on human health and the environment. Are PV systems safe? In this article, we will answer key questions, debunking all popular myths about PV systems. We invite you to read on!
Photovoltaic panels and their effect on health
At the beginning of this article, it is worth answering the basic question asked by many people: are PV systems harmful to health? Well, no! There is no confirmed research showing that photovoltaic systems are a threat to human or animal health or that they have a negative effect on the environment.
What are the characteristics of photovoltaic systems?
The users of both home solar systems and large solar farms are afraid of the same risks. Many people wonder whether using solar panels entails the risk of fire, electrocution or harmful electromagnetic radiation. In fact, modern photovoltaic systems are:
- zero-emission – their functioning does not entail high emission of toxic substances into the atmosphere,
- silent – PV systems do not emit excessive noise, which is why they are entirely convenient,
- completely safe for humans and the natural environment.
In the next part of the article, we will answer frequently asked questions about the effect that photovoltaic systems have on human health.
Fire risk: are photovoltaic systems safe?
Many people wonder whether a PV system on the roof increases the risk of fire. It is not true that photovoltaic panels attract lightning strikes. A building with solar modules is at the same risk of a lightning discharge as a building without a PV system on the roof. According to applicable laws, small PV systems have to meet the requirements of the Polish Fire Protection Act. Moreover, non-flammable panels are already available on the Polish market, which increases the safety of use even more.
PV systems and the risk of electrocution
One of the frequently asked questions about the impact of photovoltaic panels on health is that of potential electrocution. While it is true that the voltage in a working system may reach about 600–800 V, the system has appropriate lightning protection, short circuit protection and overload protection, which eliminate the risk of electrocution.
What magnetic field is produced by solar cells?
An issue which bothers many people is electromagnetic radiation produced by photovoltaic modules and cells. However, the magnetic field produced by the system does not affect human health. The values of non-ionising radiation not only comply with acceptable norms specified in the Regulation of the Minister of Environment on acceptable levels of electromagnetic fields in the environment, but are also completely safe for the function of internal organs, human DNA and overall mood.
Eco-friendliness and impact on the environment
Therefore, the answer to the question of whether photovoltaic panels are harmful to health is: no. There is no reason to be afraid of installing a home solar system. However, it is worth addressing one more issue, which is the impact of photovoltaic systems on the environment. One of the most popular myths about PV systems is their supposed negative impact on nature. In fact, photovoltaic farms and eco-friendliness can go hand in hand, which is proven for example by the decreasing carbon footprint of using solar cells. 1 kWh of energy obtained by a photovoltaic system generates only 50 g of carbon dioxide. In contrast, producing the same amount of energy from black coal emits as much as 1000 g of CO2!
The disposal of used solar panels is also eco-friendly. This process is subject to strict legal requirements, which guarantee that the disassembly, storage and processing of used PV modules does not pose any risk to the environment.
Photovoltaic systems without fear
As you can see, harmful effects of photovoltaic farms and small home solar systems located on roofs or on the ground are a myth, which can and should be debunked. Sharing reliable information and taking actions whose aim is to increase consumers’ awareness is a task which manufacturers, sellers and companies that install photovoltaic systems will have to face.
Manufacturers should pay particular attention to using top-quality raw materials to manufacture photovoltaic systems because it guarantees an even higher level of safety. High-quality products for photovoltaic systems are also offered by PCC Group. They include silicon tetrachloride and high purity silicon tetrachloride, which are precursors for the synthesis of pure silicon. It is used for example to produce semiconductors.
You do not need to be concerned about whether photovoltaic systems are safe and whether the magnetic field they produce could have a negative effect on your body. Thanks to the technologies and solutions used by modern photovoltaic systems, their impact on the environment and human health is only positive, so there is no reason to be afraid of them.