Do Solar Panels Cause Cancer?
Apossible link between solar panels and cancer risk is making rounds on the internet. Do solar panels cause cancer? Are there any links, whether evident or however tenuous between green energy and the Big C? Reading this blog will make it easy for you to figure out information regarding whether solar panels cause cancer or not with the help of many studies and research.
So , do solar panels cause cancer?
Short Answer – NO
Howerver, there are posssible aspects between the two that you might want to take note of. This blog answers most (if not all) of your questions regarding solar panels and cancer.
Before proceeding though, we’ve just compiled a list of 25 Myths about Solar by factchecking them. Do check it out!
25 Myths About Solar Factchecked
What You Will Learn
You are going to learn in this blog why the use of solar panels is safe when it comes to cancer. We will discuss the components of solar panels, the materials that make the panels, and the safety levels of those materials. You will also know the difference between the impact of electromagnetic fields from solar panels and the normal electrical appliances you use at home along with why they are not dangerous to human health. Further, we will consider the issue of some more dangerous emissions which are eliminated with the use of solar energy and its impact on the benefits of health by aiding to reduce air pollution.
Solar Panels and Cancer Risk
Before we proceed to the main idea of our whole discussion, you must know that solar panels, or photovoltaic (PV) modules, are wonders that produce electricity directly from the sun, by utilizing the photovoltaic effect. They consist of many layers- tempered glass covers the top layer, next is an encapsulant layer, then the silicon solar cells and the final layer is the back sheet. These materials make the panel durable and at the same time efficient. Silicon which forms the basis of most panels is an element that is found in the earth in large quantities. Silicon panels have little lead content so the environmental and health effects are not an issue if well handled (Mulvaney et al., 2023).
Thin-film panels are made of material such as cadmium telluride or gallium arsenide. These substances are dangerous during manufacturing and disposal, however, they are not risky during normal functioning (SpringerLink, 2017).
Do Solar Panels on Your House Cause Cancer?
Investigations have been carried out by brilliant minds on the subject of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) produced by solar panels. You will be relieved to know that the electromagnetic fields produced by solar power systems are very negligible and are within the guidelines of safety provided by authorities such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). You will be delighted to know that so far, the WHO and other health organizations have not established any health risks associated with such low-level EMFs (IARC, 2018).
In addition, solar panels chiefly produce direct current (DC), which generates considerably less electromagnetic field than alternating current (AC) (Wiley Online Library, 2020). Even where AC is engaged the insulation of wires makes sure that the exposure is kept to the barest minimum. Investigations have indicated that the EMFs from solar panels are not more dangerous than those originating from other light domestic electric appliances (TVU Journal, 2021).
Do Solar Panels Emit Dangerous Cancer-Causing Compounds?
Solar panels work with no release of greenhouse gases and other toxic products. They are intended to be clean and the least environmentally degrading during the utilization phase of their life cycle. Most of the toxicity issues are realized during the manufacturing and disposal of the panels as opposed to the function of the panels themselves.
Scientific Consensus and Studies
The largest research institutions such as International Agency for Research on Cancer and National Renewable Energy Laboratory also support the safety of solar panels. Previous large-scale epidemiological investigations have demonstrated no difference in cancer risk among residents of solar plant vicinity (Journal of Environmental Health 2020). There has been a general conclusion that placing solar panels does not in any way increase the risks of cancer and this has been established to be a very safe, clean energy source (Citeseerx, 2022).
Dangerous Emissions Eliminated With the Use of Solar Energy
The utilization of solar panels comes in handy for us in managing air pollution as it does not create a need for the use of fossil fuels. These reductions in pollution can significantly bring down the probability of cancer resulting from dangerous emissions or air pollutants (Wiley Online Library, 2020). Solar panels help us to bring down the quantity of many hazardous or toxic emissions in our environment, such as arsenic and mercury, which often become the cause of dreadful and terrible diseases like cancer (SpringerLink, 2017).
Summary
By now, you must have figured out that ‘Can Solar Panels Cause Cancer?’ is an extremely sensitive topic that has been discussed in various ways throughout the globe for a long time. We can proceed to conclude scientifically (as of now) that solar panels are unable to cause cancer. Additionally, they are a non-hazardous type of technology and are profitable to public health as they do not emit pollution. Promoting the use of solar energy is, therefore, not only in line with the clean energy goals but also contributes to reducing the risks to health arising from the generation of conventional energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
No evidence proves that the use of solar panels causes cancer in this case. Studies show different electromagnetic fields produced by solar panels do not pose any threat (IARC, 2018)
Solar panels do not cause skin cancer. It is thus clear that risks that may be attributed to skin cancer have more to do with too much sun exposure and not the panels themselves (Journal of Environmental Health, 2020).
Solar energy radiation especially in the generation of electricity is non-ionizing and hence, does not pose a threat. The electromagnetic fields produced are almost negligible and the panel is safe to use, as it meets all the safety standards.
A solar panel is made up of solar cells, which are typically monocrystalline or polycrystalline, whereas solar tiles are made of Copper Indium Gallium Selenide. The function of solar panels is energy production, whereas solar tiles were designed to be an alternative roofing option while producing electricity.
