Side effects of photovoltaic panels

For decades, large-scale public health studies have been performed to conclude that there are no associations between solar energy and cancer. True for rooftop installations and large solar farms, global public health researchers have found in every study that solar panels do not cause cancer at any production level.

During the manufacturing process, solar panels can produce silicon dust, which, if inhaled, could pose a minor health risk. However, this is primarily an occupational hazard for workers involved in the production process and doesn't pose a risk for household users of solar panels.

Given that the EMF radiation from solar panels is minimal, the common consensus in the scientific community is that the health risk posed by solar panel radiation is negligible. Although solar panels themselves don't directly pose health risks, they could be a potential fire hazard if they are incorrectly installed or poorly maintained.

Having sat in many community hearings about solar power development, I am used to vivid descriptions of how photovoltaic panels might as well be dripping with harmful substances that will sicken people and livestock. The concerns are pervasive, but almost completely separate from reality.

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.

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.