Solar Panel Horror Stories? The 7 Latest Answer

This story originally appeared on Grist and is part of the Climate Desk collaboration.

Solar panels are an increasingly important source of renewable energy that will play an essential role in the fight against climate change. They’re also complex pieces of technology that, at the end of their lives, become big, bulky slabs of e-waste – and right now, most people in the world have no plan on how to deal with them.

But we need to develop one soon because the solar e-waste glut is coming. By 2050, the International Renewable Energy Agency predicts that up to 78 million tons of solar panels will have reached the end of their useful life and that the world will generate about 6 million tons of new solar e-waste annually. While the latter figure represents only a small fraction of the total e-waste humanity produces each year, standard electronic recycling methods for solar panels are not enough. Recovering the most valuable materials from a planet, including silver and silicon, requires customized recycling solutions. And if we fail to develop these solutions along with policies that support their widespread adoption, we already know what will happen.

“If we don’t mandate recycling, a lot of the panels will end up in landfill,” said Arizona State University solar researcher Meng Tao, who recently wrote a review of the recycling of silicon solar panels, which make up 95 percent of the solar market.

Solar panels are made up of photovoltaic (PV) cells that convert sunlight into electricity. When these panels end up in landfills, valuable resources are wasted. And since solar panels contain toxic materials like lead that can leach out when degraded, landfill also creates new environmental hazards.

Most solar manufacturers claim that their panels will last around 25 years, and the world only started using solar on a large scale in the early 2000s. As a result, a relatively small number of panels are being decommissioned today. PV Cycle, a non-profit organization dedicated to taking back and recycling solar panels, collects several thousand tons of solar e-waste across the European Union every year, according to director Jan Clyncke. This number includes solar panels that have reached the end of their useful life, as well as those that were prematurely retired because they were damaged during a storm, had a manufacturing defect, or were replaced with a newer, more efficient model.

When solar panels reach their end of life today, they face a number of possible fates. Under EU law, manufacturers must ensure their solar panels are properly recycled. Recycling requirements are in the works in Japan, India and Australia. In the United States, it’s the Wild West: With the exception of a state law in Washington, the US has no solar recycling mandates whatsoever. Voluntary, industry-led recycling efforts are limited in scope. “Right now we’re pretty confident that the number is around 10 percent of recycled solar panels,” said Sam Vanderhoof, CEO of Recycle PV Solar, one of the few U.S. companies dedicated to PV recycling. The rest, he says, ends up in landfills or is exported overseas for reuse in developing countries with weak environmental protection.

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Why Solar Panels Are Bad For The Environment – Pollution Why Solar Panels Are Bad For The Environment – Pollution

Why solar panels are bad for our planet

All manufactured goods use a variety of chemicals both in their final construction and in the processes used to create them.

All chemicals and elements have some degree of toxicity, that is, they have a negative effect on biological life. Effective end-of-life recycling strategies must be developed over the next decade.

Solar panels are bad for the environment because toxic chemicals are used in their manufacture. Manufacturing processes have waste products that can be harmful to human health and ecology. Old solar panels can become toxic waste due to the heavy metal content of the solar cells and other contaminants.

Video: Solar panels – more disadvantages than advantages?

What is the average life expectancy of solar modules?

Most manufacturers give a 25 year warranty with a 90% performance guarantee after that.

However, good quality panels will continue to generate electricity for up to 50 years, with output power gradually decreasing with age. In general, solar cells lose about 0.8% of their output power per year of use.

Tests conducted on solar systems 40 years and older indicate that solar output can almost stop at 70% and remain at this level for many years.

What are the toxic components of solar panels?

The problem of solar panel toxicity has two parts:

Chemicals used during manufacture and their waste products Toxic compounds used in the panel structure and the potential for environmental damage

Compounds used in the manufacture of solar panels include:

hydrochloric acid

trichloroethane

sulfuric acid

hydrogen fluoride

acetone

nitric acid

It is the manufacturer’s responsibility to ensure that these chemical residues are properly disposed of. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, so pollution is rampant.

Another equally urgent problem are the heavy metals, chemicals and plastic compounds trapped in the solar module itself.

These include:

Silicon tetrachloride (highly toxic)

) copper indium gallium (di)selenide

polyvinyl fluoride

fluoride hexafluoroethane

to lead

cadmium gallium(di)selenide

cadmium telluride

Telluride Copper Indium Selenide

They’re all pretty badass, and for most of the solar panel’s lifespan, they’re imprisoned in the structure.

Unfortunately, the end-of-life management of current solar power systems does not include a viable recycling program to effectively eliminate the toxic effects of solar energy landfill waste.

Companies are experimenting with recycling and 100% recycling is possible. However, it costs three times more than burying the panels in a landfill.

In the current climate of disregard for business for anything but profit, it’s easy to see where old panels are going!

How many solar modules are installed worldwide per day?

A whopping 500,000 solar panels are being installed worldwide every day, and the pace is likely to increase.

Solar panels have been calculated to produce 100 times more harmful waste than the nuclear industry, so end-of-life management is vital.

If the average weight of a commercial solar panel is 20 kg, 500,000 solar panels equals 10,000 tons per day or 3.65 million tons of solar panel waste per year.

If these are destined for landfill, we have a serious problem.

Are there non-toxic solar panels?

A research team led by Dr. Jin-Kyu Kang develops solar panels made of bronze (Cu-Sn) and brass (Cu-Zn), metals that are abundant in the earth and are non-toxic.

It’s an exciting proposal that will help eliminate the toxicity associated with current solar panels.

The main downside is that the efficiency is lower than standard panels, but they are working on it!

Related Questions:

What are the negative effects of solar panels?

The greatest negative effect affects the environment in the form of toxic waste elements.

The only effective way around this is to recycle the toxic compounds into new panels, but that’s expensive. Another very small negative effect is that some people don’t like how they look on the roof.

Why aren’t solar panels worth it?

The main reason why solar panels are not worth it is because of the environmental impact of the waste products.

Solar panels may not be worth it if you live in a location with poor sun exposure due to regular heavy cloud cover or far up north where solar energy is low.

What are the 2 main disadvantages of solar energy?

The two main disadvantages of solar energy are:

they generate little power in bad weather they do not generate power at night and batteries are required

Why is my electricity bill so high with solar panels?

Your solar system may be undersized for the irradiance at your location.

What happens to solar modules after 25 years?

Most warranties expire after 25 years, but solar panels will continue to generate electricity for many years to come.

Solar cells reduce their output by about 0.8% each year, but when new can produce electricity at about 70% of their capacity for up to 25 years!

Resources – The Truth About Solar Panels:

The Mystery of Solar Energy – Hazardous Waste: Cases for a National Recycling Framework

Environmental Impacts of Solar Panel Manufacturing and End-of-Life Management: Technology and Policy Options

Recycling and disposal of solar panels

Solar Panel Recycling Company – USA

Morgen Industries Inc

Silrec

SRS, LLC

Pure waffle

first sun

Cleanlites

The science is clear: the world needs to switch to clean energy sources to prevent further climate change. Renewable energy sources such as solar are at the forefront of the global energy transition that is currently taking place.

Be that as it may, the fact remains: solar systems on the roof do not fit into every American household.

That’s because solar power works well for some consumers, but just isn’t the right choice for many others.

Here are seven reasons why you shouldn’t switch to solar power. If any of these apply to you, you may be better off not buying panels.

On this page… Show more

Find out how much a rooftop solar system can save you on your monthly electricity bill. Calculate now

#7 Your roof is not suitable for solar panels

When solar panels are installed on houses, they are almost always on the roof. This is because the roof has the two necessary ingredients to house solar panels: surface area (to place the panels on top) and solar radiation (to power the solar panels).

But what if you don’t have a roof to call your own, or you have a roof but it just isn’t up to the task?

Here are all the roof-related factors that could either prevent a successful solar installation or make it uneconomical:

You don’t own a house: you might live in an apartment, rent or live with your family. Whatever it is, it means you don’t have your own roof to install panels on. [Learn more: Your solar options as a tenant or homeowner]

: You may be living in an apartment, renting or living with your family. Whatever it is, it means you don’t have your own roof to install panels on. [Learn more: Your solar options as a tenant or apartment occupant] Your roof is too old: Solar installation can be done on pretty much any type of roof, but it is not recommended on a weak or damaged roof; that would only make things worse. Also, if a roof is to be replaced, it’s far better to wait until that’s done; If not, you must first remove the solar panels and reinstall them when the new roof is in place.

: Solar installation can be done on pretty much any type of roof, but it is not recommended on a weak or damaged roof; that would only make things worse. Also, if a roof is to be replaced, it’s far better to wait until that’s done; If not, you must first remove the solar panels and reinstall them when the new roof is in place. Your roof is too small: Solar panels need sunlight to generate electricity. The more sunlight they absorb, the more energy they generate. If you have a small roof, you may find that solar panels just don’t produce enough kilowatt hours to really make a difference to your bills. [More information: How many solar panels do I need?]

: Solar panels need sunlight to generate electricity. The more sunlight they absorb, the more energy they generate. If you have a small roof, you may find that solar panels just don’t produce enough kilowatt hours to really make a difference to your bills. [Read more: How many solar panels do I need?] Too much shade on your roof: Shadows cast on your roof from neighboring buildings or surrounding trees can significantly reduce your roof’s solar generation potential.

: Shadow cast on your roof by neighboring buildings or surrounding trees can significantly reduce the solar generation potential of your roof. Roof placement is awkward: If your roof isn’t facing the right way (i.e., away from the sun, not toward it) or at an angle that’s not optimal (relative to your latitude), solar panels will produce less electricity than they would ideally could.

#6 There are no solar panels anywhere else

The roof is the most common place solar panels are placed — but it’s not the only place they can be placed.

You’ll find homeowners placing solar panels in other locations, e.g. B. in their backyard or on a secondary structure on their property.

However, if both of the following circumstances apply to you, you are out of luck.

Ground mounting is not an option for you: “Ground mounted solar panels” refers to solar panels that are installed on the ground with special brackets to orient them towards the sun. While this can be an option for farms and ranches, it’s rarely feasible in cities and suburbs where there is less open space to work. [More information: Ground Mount Solar Panels]

: “Ground mounted solar panels” refers to solar panels that are installed on the ground using special brackets to orient them toward the sun. While this can be an option for farms and ranches, it’s rarely feasible in cities and suburbs where there is less open space to work. [More Info: Ground Mount Solar Panels] No other structure is available: The final option to consider are buildings such as carports or sheds, or backyard structures such as gazebos, pergolas, and patio canopies. If there is a lack of these or suitable areas, you have to hold back with solar panels for the time being.

#5 You plan to move or sell your home

If you’re planning to move out of your current residence in the next few years, you might want to stop and consider whether solar panels are the best option for you right now.

That’s because it can be difficult, if not impossible, to remove solar panels from your roof and reinstall them on a new one. Your new home may lack suitable space (see points 7 and 6 above), or the local building codes at your destination may be more restrictive and prevent relocating your existing solar power installation.

Even if it is possible to move the panels, you still have to pay a significant sum to a solar installer to remove the panels and reinstall them on a new roof.

All in all, I should point out that research from Zillow says solar panels add 4.1% to the value of your home. This means that installing solar panels before you move could prove profitable for you given the right circumstances.

#4 Your electricity bills are already low

According to a Pew Research Center survey, 96% of homeowners have installed or are considering solar to save money on utility bills.

That makes perfect sense. Many American homes spend hundreds of dollars on their electric bills every month – and solar panels are often the most effective way to reduce that amount.

For example, SolarReviews financial modeling shows a 25-year bill saving of $78,682 for solar panels installed in San Francisco in 2022.

However, some homeowners don’t spend much on electricity. This can be due to one or more of the following factors:

You have a small home

You have a small household size

Your home and appliances are energy efficient

You benefit from low electricity tariffs with your local supplier

If this is you, paying $50 or less a month for electricity, then installing solar probably isn’t worth the time and effort.

Use our calculator to check whether a solar system is worthwhile for you

#3 You are not entitled to incentives and discounts

When it comes to solar energy, government incentives and rebates are extremely important.

The most important of these is the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), offered by the federal government, which has helped the solar industry grow by 10,000% since its passage in 2006.

The ITC is currently worth 26%; You can save more than a quarter of the price of your solar system. This incentive can play a large role in improving the payback period when purchasing a solar system.

There are usually additional incentives at the state level, sometimes also at the municipal level. Currently, 38 states offer net metering, a valuable incentive that allows you to sell your electricity to the utility at retail prices, while some states, like New York, offer thousands of dollars worth of state tax credits.

But if you find yourself in a situation where you don’t qualify for incentives — for example, the federal tax credit only applies if you pay federal taxes first — then solar energy may not be for you.

Learn more: Find out which solar incentives and discounts you qualify for

#2 Your quote seems too good to be true

You’ve heard the old adage: if it’s too good to be true, it probably is. Unfortunately, this is definitely true for solar.

Massive growth in the solar industry means the rise of highly rated local solar companies has been accompanied by nightly operations.

The latter category of companies offer solar panel installations at bargain prices, either because they offer inferior equipment or because they have an unsustainable pricing model that will put them out of business within a few years.

Given that solar panels are designed to last at least 25 years, we advise you to stay away from such solar cowboys.

Learn more: 10 tips to get the best solar deal

#1 The economy is not for you

There are several factors, some of which have been discussed above, that can adversely affect the economics of solar energy. If these factors apply to you, you might find that you save little to no money by switching to solar energy.

Here are the factors that negatively impact your financial return from installing solar panels:

High acquisition costs for your solar system. This is usually because solar systems and/or installation costs are expensive where you live.

for your solar system. This is usually because solar systems and/or installation costs are expensive where you live. Space constraints mean you can’t install a solar panel system large enough to provide reasonable savings on electricity bills.

means you can’t install a solar panel system large enough to provide reasonable savings on electricity bills. Roofing issues such as shading or less than ideal orientation or angles negatively impact your home’s solar potential.

such as shading or non-ideal orientation or angles will negatively impact your home’s solar potential. Low energy bills, whether due to low electricity rates or low usage, mean you don’t spend much on electricity to begin with.

, whether due to low electricity rates or low usage, means you’re not spending much on electricity to begin with. Unfavorable financing: Due to poor creditworthiness, your solar loan is subject to high interest rates or onerous conditions such as a first-rank lien.

: Your solar loan carries a high interest rate due to bad credit history or imposes onerous terms such as a first lien. Lack of Incentives: You are not eligible for solar incentives that can significantly reduce system costs, such as B. the solar tax credit or SRECs (Solar Renewable Energy Credits).

The combination of one or more of the above factors will reduce your monthly savings and increase the total payback time on your solar investment (which you definitely don’t want).

Now, despite these factors, it’s entirely possible that you could save thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your solar panels – just make sure you do before you take the plunge.

Calculate the cost and savings of a solar installation for your specific home. Calculate now

Solar Energy: An Overview

With the growing threat of climate change due to excessive release of carbon emissions, many nations are looking for clean energy alternatives to replace traditional fossil fuels.

Of all the clean energy alternatives, solar has arguably been the most expensive, although prices have come down. However, after weighing the pros and cons and expecting prices to continue to fall, the future of solar energy looks rosy.

The advantages of solar energy include that it is a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels and has a low impact on the environment and potential for generation in each country. The downsides are that it only produces power when the sun is shining, requires a lot of land, and certain solar technologies require rare materials.

Key messages Solar energy is becoming an increasingly cost-effective alternative to fossil fuels.

Solar energy is a sustainable energy source, has a low environmental impact and promotes energy independence.

On the other hand, it is limited by exposure to the sun, can lead to material shortages, and contains similarly hazardous materials as electronics.

Expensive disadvantages of solar energy can be neglected with technological advances that increase efficiency and storage capacity.

It may be worth increasing incentives to expand solar power.

1:46 Click play to see if solar powered homes are worth it

The benefits of solar energy

sustainability

The advantage of solar energy is that it is a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. While fossil fuels have an expiration date that’s fast approaching, the sun will likely be around for at least a few billion more years.

Low environmental impact

Solar energy has a much smaller impact on the environment compared to fossil fuels. Its greenhouse gas emissions are inconsequential as the technology does not require fuel combustion. Even though concentrating solar thermal (CSP) systems are comparatively inefficient in water use, depending on the type of technology used, the right technology increases efficiency significantly, while photovoltaic (PV) solar cells do not require water to generate electricity.

Solar energy technology is becoming an increasingly affordable alternative to fossil fuels, although it remains somewhat expensive in certain markets.

energy independence

As the sun shines around the world, it makes every country a potential energy producer, allowing for greater energy independence and security. Solar energy not only promises security and independence on a national level; Solar panels can be installed on individual homes and provide electricity that does not depend on connection to a larger power grid.

The disadvantages of solar energy

interruption

One of the biggest problems with solar energy technology is that energy is only generated when the sun is shining. This means that the supply can be interrupted at night and on cloudy days. The shortage caused by this disruption would not be a problem if there were inexpensive ways to store energy, since there can even be overcapacity during extremely sunny periods. As the global capacity for solar energy continues to grow, nations like Japan and other world leaders in solar energy technology are focusing on developing suitable energy storage systems to solve this problem.

land use

Another concern is that solar energy can take up a significant amount of land and result in soil degradation or habitat loss for wildlife. While solar PV systems can be attached to existing structures, larger utility-scale PV systems can require up to 3.5 to 10 acres per megawatt and CSP systems between 4 and 16.5 acres per megawatt. However, the impact can be reduced by placing facilities in low quality areas or along existing transport and transmission corridors.

material shortage

Certain solar technologies require rare materials in their manufacture. However, this is more of a problem with PV technology than CSP technology. Also, it’s less a lack of known reserves than the inability of current production to meet future needs: many of the rare materials are by-products of other processes and are not the focus of targeted mining efforts. Recycling of PV material and advances in nanotechnology that increase the efficiency of solar cells could both help increase supply, but perhaps the search for material substitutes that are more abundant could play a role.

An ecological disadvantage

The only environmental downside to solar technology is that it contains many of the same hazardous materials as electronics. As solar energy becomes an increasingly popular energy source, the problem of disposing of the hazardous waste becomes an additional challenge. Assuming the challenge of proper disposal is met, the reduced greenhouse gas emissions that solar energy offers make it an attractive alternative to fossil fuels.

More sustainable than fossil fuels Lower environmental impact

Helps countries become more energy independent

Inexpensive supply interruptions High space requirement

Technology not yet widely available

Can still cause harm to the environment

173,000 The approximate number of terawatts of solar energy that shines on Earth each day – 10,000 times the daily global energy consumption.

Examples of solar energy

The world’s largest solar power plant is in Rajasthan, India. The Bhadla Solar Park, completed in April 2020, boasts impressive statistics. The facility spans 10,000 acres and has an installed capacity of 2,245 megawatts. Total investment in the project is estimated at around $1.4 billion.

The largest solar park in the United States is known as Solar Star Park near Rosamond, California. The power plant consists of two separate plants called Solar Star-1 and Solar Star-2 with a capacity of 314 MW and 265 MW respectively. Like the plant in India, the site was chosen for its high levels of sunshine and minimal rainfall.

Solar energy vs. wind energy

Both wind and solar energy are two of the fastest growing renewable energy sources. Both energy sources help reduce pollution and offer alternatives to fossil fuels, but there are notable differences between the two.

The turbines that power wind energy are less harmful to the environment than solar panels. They also produce more electricity than solar panels and can be installed offshore. Unlike the sun, wind energy can be used day and night. However, wind is an unpredictable source of energy. Turbines are also quite noisy and, like solar panels, require a lot of land area and are therefore not practical for densely populated areas.

Ultimately, solar panels are the more powerful and predictable source of energy. They take up less space, are quieter and can be installed on roofs etc. in densely populated areas.

Pros and Cons of Solar Energy FAQs

What are the pros and cons of using solar energy for your home?

Using solar energy for your home will save you money, add value to your home, help you become energy independent and reduce your carbon footprint. However, the large solar panels may deter potential buyers. Additionally, some HOA agreements may not allow installing solar panels on your home.

Do Solar Panels Increase Your Property Taxes?

Because installing solar panels increases the value of your home, they can also increase your property taxes. However, many states offer exemptions for residents. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit your county officer’s website.

Can You Still Have Big Electric Bills With Solar Panels?

In almost all cases, installing solar panels will lower your monthly electricity bill.

Are there tax benefits for solar panels?

Yes. The federal solar investment tax credit enacted in 2006 provides a 26% tax credit for solar panels installed on residential and commercial properties.

You may have heard stories of failed solar panels after being struck by lightning. It’s a scary thought because it can deliver enough current that can melt your system. If you are planning to invest thousands of dollars in your panels, you are probably curious if solar panels attract lightning, right?

Solar panels do not attract lightning and do not increase the likelihood of a lightning strike. It has the same probability as a tree or other object struck by lightning. A more important question to ask yourself is how to protect your solar panels from damage caused by lightning.

Photovoltaic panels won’t survive a direct hit, but there are a few things you can do to minimize the damage. Stay here to learn more about PV panels, lightning and how to protect your investment from a devastating force. By the end of this article, you will have a completely different perspective on this topic.

Do solar panels increase the chance of a lightning strike?

Lightning causes more damage to solar panels than any other natural phenomenon. That being said, a single blow carrying up to a gigajoule of energy can cause significant damage to your home. For this reason, many homeowners wonder if solar panels can increase the chance of a lightning strike.

A common belief about lightning is that it is attracted to metal. Because metal is an excellent conductor of electricity, it tends to attract more lightning. Solar panels, especially the ones we install on our roof, require metal racks, which definitely increases the chances of a lightning strike, right?

Let’s get to the root of this concern by dispelling a myth: metal is a good conductor and therefore attracts lightning. The truth is that lightning can strike any object, even trees, rocks or the ground. It doesn’t matter if it’s an electrical conductor; it has the same probability as any other object.

Contrary to what many believe, photovoltaic panels do not increase the likelihood of lightning strikes. So the likelihood of these panels suffering a lightning strike is no different than any structure. According to the National Lightning Safety Institute, at least one in 200 homes will be struck by lightning every year, or in other words, lightning will strike your home at least once every 200 years.

These numbers remain the same regardless of whether you invest in solar panels or not. The only variable that changes is your location; Some parts of the country, particularly the southeastern US, are experiencing more lightning strikes. Nevertheless, the probability that a lightning strike will bring down a solar system is very small.

Knowing that you cannot prevent a lightning strike and that solar panels do not attract lightning, protecting your investment from it is a more important step. After all, you’re not investing thousands of dollars in solar energy just waiting for a lightning strike, are you? Although the probability is very small, a rare lightning strike can cause significant damage to your property.

Can you protect solar panels from lightning?

There are two types of hits you can experience: direct hit and near hit. Direct hits are rare, but there’s nothing you can do to protect your solar panels from them. Your solar array, inverters, controls, and other electronics in your home will not survive the devastating power surges that a direct hit can deliver.

Direct hits are not something homeowners should worry about as near misses are more common and can also be devastating. It can deliver thousands of volts to your solar array and home. In an event such as a near-miss, the solar panels are safe because they are properly grounded. However, it’s not their inverters and controllers that are the most common victims of near misses.

There’s nothing you can do to prevent lightning strikes, and whether it’s direct or near-miss, significant damage can occur, but creating a direct path to the ground will help reduce the damage reduce. When properly grounded, all metal parts of the array serve as a direct path for current, which can be the most effective way to reduce damage.

Protection of your solar panel systems

A hit, direct or near hit, can destroy your solar panel system, so you must have proper protection systems in place. In areas where lightning strikes are more common, companies that insure solar panels may even require you to have one before they can include it in your policy.

However, if you plan to install solar panels, you must ask your installer about lightning protection systems. If you already have your panels installed, make sure you have these two:

Proper grounding

As mentioned, the purpose of a proper ground is to provide a straight path or easy way for lightning to reach the ground. It helps you reduce damage to your system as lightning doesn’t reach your inverters and controls, it hits the ground first.

You can’t stop lightning, but there are a lot of things you can do to determine its path. If you don’t have proper grounding, lightning can jump from one path to another, and if one of those is your inverter, there’s a good chance you need a new one.

Here’s a disclaimer about grounding your solar arrays: It doesn’t guarantee that grounding will protect your system from lightning, but it’s much safer to have a direct path to ground than having the current flow directly through your inverter or controller.

Another thing that many homeowners believe will help them reduce damage from a lightning strike are breakers and fuses. These will help you with surges, but not with lightning strikes.

Lightning moves fast, crippling your system in a matter of microseconds—much faster than it takes for fuses and circuit breakers to blow. Although both are essential parts of your solar array, they do nothing when it comes to lightning strikes.

Surge arresters

A surge arrester or surge protector is another way to protect your solar panels. These are clamp-like devices that you connect to the live wires, with a separate wire going straight to ground. These devices cost at least $200 and most of the time do nothing, but when the voltage reaches a certain value, the higher voltage is immediately shorted out.

In other areas where lightning is more common, you can also install a surge capacitor to protect your solar panel system. This device gives your AC line the ability to absorb high voltage spikes that are too fast for surge arresters.

In this way you create two protection systems for your solar system: surge arrester and surge capacitor. Sometimes insurance companies even require you to have both before they can add it to your policy.

Sure, surge arresters and surge capacitors can be costly to install, and they really do little more than protect your solar panel system from that infrequent lightning strike. However, when you factor in the damage lightning strikes do, you’d be glad to have both in place.

Conclusion

Solar panels don’t attract lightning, but there’s a chance they can get struck, especially if you live in an area that gets more lightning strikes. Regardless of how slim the odds are, you don’t get a second chance to protect your solar panels.

It only takes a direct hit to melt your solar array and a near miss to cause problems with your system. So you need to be very careful when protecting your panels and make sure the damage is not extensive and devastating.

You can’t control or prevent lightning, but there are things you can do to minimize damage.

If you’re worried about potential damage or issues with your solar panels, be sure to read our posts Can Solar Panels Withstand Hail?. & “Can solar panels affect TV reception?”.

Sources

Do solar panels degrade over time?

As with most technology, solar panels will naturally produce less energy over time. This reduced power output is referred to as the degradation rate. The average degradation rate of solar panels is about 0.5%, which simply means that a solar panel’s energy production decreases by 0.5% per year.3 After 20 years, your panels should still be operating at about 90% of their original output.

Three tips to make your home’s solar panels last longer

The great thing about solar panels is that they require very little maintenance. Regular cleaning of the solar panels is generally unnecessary unless your area is very prone to dust, dirt, pollen or sand due to a dry climate.4

Although solar panels generally require little maintenance, it is still important to inspect your solar panels from time to time and monitor their performance. Here are a few tips to ensure your solar system is working at full capacity:5

Tip #1: Keep your panels free of dirt and other harmful materials.

A build-up of dirt, pollen, leaves and bird droppings can reduce the efficiency of your solar panels. While rain is generally sufficient to clean your panels, if you ever find your panels are not operating to their full capacity, you should consider professional cleaning. You should also ensure your panels are not under tree branches as not only could the shade reduce performance but the branches could potentially fall off in a storm and cause serious damage.

If your panels become blocked or damaged by any of these elements and you do not have the appropriate training or equipment to take further action, contact your solar supplier immediately for assistance.

Tip #2: Make sure your panels are regularly monitored and maintained.

Routine maintenance checks help keep the panel power, meters, inverter, and other parts of your solar system operating at peak efficiency.6 It’s also important to note changes in your utility bills and energy usage.

If your solar panels are underperforming after a rainfall or water hose down, or if you see an unusual spike in your electricity bill, it may indicate an electrical problem that needs professional attention.7

Tip #3: Work with a trusted solar provider.

The best thing you can do to ensure the longevity of your solar system is to find a reputable solar installer. Although solar systems require little regular maintenance, some solar suppliers offer comprehensive maintenance packages for the lifetime of their products to ensure they efficiently produce clean, affordable, and reliable energy for decades to come.

Sunrun has over 20 years of installation experience and only works with the most trained installers in your neighborhood to bring you peace of mind.

If your panels require more than a routine hose down or you need to get on the roof, we highly recommend contacting your trusted solar supplier for professional assistance.

Enjoy lasting solar energy with Sunrun

There is no doubt that solar home systems are a great investment. That’s why we’re here, to help you enjoy years of reliable, worry-free, renewable energy.

Our team of experienced solar consultants are ready to discuss your energy needs and help you find the ideal solar solution for your home. See why Sunrun is one of America’s leading solar companies and get started with a free solar quote today.

Factors influencing the value creation of solar

The added value of a solar system is made up of many factors and varies depending on the market. The value added to a home by solar panels can vary based on the following factors: 5,6,7

region of the country

Local electricity price

Prices for solar systems

replacement value of the system

Environmentally Conscious Community

Frequency of power outages

age of the solar system

amount of energy production

Government Incentives

Local understanding of solar technology and benefits

Incentives for homeowners/vendors to install solar panels

In addition to higher real estate values ​​than comparable non-solar homes in their community, homeowners who purchase solar systems realize many financial benefits, including:

Government rebates and incentives (e.g. net metering)

Federal Tax Allowance for Solar Investments (ITC)

Replacing grid power with a sustainable, often cheaper, option1

And as a seller of a solar property you have enormous advantages in the real estate market such as:

Higher asking price than comparable houses without solar 4

Solar panels are seen as an upgrade by potential buyers 8

Homes with solar panels often sell faster than those without 8

100% return on solar investment when selling a home1

Homeowners with a solar power system who may be interested in selling it should note that potential buyers will be interested in documentation showing that the installation was properly performed by a reputable solar dealer and proof that the system will reduce electricity bills.8 The Sunrun solar consultants can show you how to document cost savings on your electricity bill.

Homebuyer Incentives to Buy Solar

Incentives for home sellers to invest in solar panels are combined with incentives for home buyers, since the market value of a property can increase as electricity prices rise.

With a home solar system, the buyer could potentially get a 200% return on the markup. You will hardly find any other investment that matches these financial advantages:

Monthly/Annual Financial Gains throughout the life of the solar energy system (25-30 years)

Reduced carbon footprint

Higher resale value of home1

Do Larger Installations Increase Home Value?

You can control the solar energy at home and at the same time increase the value of the property. However, research shows that the wattage produced by a solar system does not proportionally increase the value of a home. So installing a massive solar array on your roof doesn’t necessarily translate to higher resale value. A solar system that adequately covers your energy needs is enough for you to amortize the price of your system.

Do solar houses sell faster?

The length of time a solar powered home is on the market often varies by region of the country. While early analysis by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in six states found solar homes take eight days longer to sell,9 new research shows the opposite. A solar energy system will help sell your home 20% faster than homes without solar panels.1

Today’s rapid expansion of solar systems across the country is increasing the understanding of appraisers and homebuyers of the reliable, long-term benefits of grid-connected solar systems. This has accelerated the speed of sales and increased the revenue for solar home sellers.

New vs. older home solar systems

A newly purchased solar system with efficient technology, a longer warranty period and less need for maintenance can significantly increase the property value. Homeowners with older solar systems should allow for some depreciation and a slightly lower premium when they sell.

Even if you sell your home in the future, upgrading your home with a solar system is a solid investment compared to other possible renovations.

A recent report shows that the cost of a residential solar installation is less than half of what it was in 2010.10 Following this trend, as solar technology installation becomes more efficient, there may be a smaller premium to property values. However, lower installation prices and rising electricity costs should accelerate the return on investment as utility bills are reduced by purchasing a new residential solar power system.

Should you buy or lease?

Your financial goals are likely to be a major factor in making the switch to solar energy and can affect whether you buy or lease a facility. When you buy a new home solar system, future proceeds from an increased sale price go straight to you.

A solar system can only be included in the property valuation if it is owned by the homeowner and is a non-binding transferable asset. System warranties and performance guarantees generally transfer upon sale.12,13

In order to achieve a higher selling price, the most beneficial option is to purchase a solar system for your home.11 However, if you decide that a lease or power purchase agreement (PPA) is more appropriate, the return on the home sale will be less.

Appraisers and lenders believe that when a homeowner installs a residential solar system through a lease or PPA, it is essentially the property of a third-party owner. This requires the third party to be involved in the ownership transfer.12 Sunrun’s experienced service transfer specialists make it easy to transfer your solar lease to the new owners. Learn more.

Regional markets and electricity costs

The largest price increases in solar real estate are typically found in regions with high electricity prices and strong solar incentives. High energy costs make homes with solar panels more attractive to homebuyers. In addition, state governments are increasingly recognizing the long-term community and infrastructure benefits of implementing solar incentives.12

For example, Long Island’s high electricity rates have been a boon to the local residential solar market. The area has nearly 40% of all solar systems in New York State. In the US, increasingly higher energy costs can lead to higher valuations for solar homes. Inexpensive solar energy is simply a smart investment.12

In 2015, the Department of Energy said the average homeowner adding a solar power system could fetch $15,000 more at the time of sale than a comparable home without solar power.14

A new study suggests that the increase is even more significant in the emerging Northeast solar markets.14

Solar value by state

While California is implementing some of the most influential policies and incentives promoting residential solar in the country, other states have been solar-friendly for years or have recently embarked on major programs to rapidly encourage the development of residential solar, battery storage, and raising property values.

7 leading sun states

California Colorado Massachusetts New Jersey New Mexico New York Oregon

To learn more about the solar incentives available in your area, check out the Database of Government Incentives for Renewable Energy and Efficiency.17

Rising ratings

According to the Appraisal Journal, every $1 less in energy costs increases the value of a home by about $20. If a household saves $600 a year in electricity costs by using solar panels, that home can add $12,000 in value.18 Fannie Mae has established a policy that requires that if a household has a solar power system, the appraiser must report its should assess added value.19

Having a surveyor familiar with solar technology is important to get an accurate number for your real estate market. The three possible methods for valuing residential solar energy systems are the income approach, the cost approach, and the cost comparison approach. Overall, the income approach is recommended because it estimates the forward-looking value of the energy cost benefit.4

The income approach is based on the projected income that a solar system will generate for the homeowner over the expected lifetime of the system. Valuing a solar home on this basis is the closest match to the perspective of the seller and homebuyer.6

In California, which has a relatively mature residential solar market, realtors, lenders and appraisers have a better understanding of the economic benefits and value of solar. Also, there are numerous comparable home sales to make accurate pricing decisions. In other regions, real estate professionals are still learning as their residential solar market grows.8

Solar collectors increase the quality of life

Installing residential solar panels is a sound investment. Whether you are upgrading your home for a future sale or making it your forever home, the value of your property will increase significantly. This added value makes payback periods less of a concern.7 You can recoup your investment in a later sale and win.

Let the sun work for you. Adding Sunrun solar panels and a Brightbox home battery to your home can not only add value to your property, but also give you control over your electricity use, protect you from blackouts and help the environment.

Solar is as reliable as the sun. See why over 250,000 Americans have added value to their homes with Sunrun – request a free quote today to connect with our expert solar consultants.

Solar energy continues to grow in the United States and around the world. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, solar energy has grown at an annual rate of 42% over the past decade due to lower installation costs and a demand for renewable energy. As solar energy becomes more and more important in our lives, you may have questions about this energy source. Some people wonder if the technology used to build or power solar panels and solar farms increases the risk of cancer.

Learn more about whether solar energy affects cancer risk and where to learn more about this growing technology.

How is solar energy harnessed by solar collectors and solar parks?

You’ve probably seen a type of solar technology called photovoltaic (PV) technology. It is used in the solar panels you see on the roofs of homes or businesses, or as part of larger solar farms. As the sun emits solar radiation, PV technology uses cells to absorb this radiation and convert it into electricity. This electricity can then be stored in batteries or fed back into the grid.

Another type of solar technology called Concentrating Solar-Thermal Power (CSP) uses mirrors to reflect solar radiation and convert it into electricity. CSP is mainly used in large power plants.

Can solar panels or living near a solar farm cause cancer?

“There is no evidence that solar panels cause cancer,” says Dr. Noah Kittner, an assistant professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering at the University of North Carolina’s Gillings School of Global Public Health. In fact, adds Dr. Kittner adds, solar panels and solar farms could actually be a beneficial strategy to reduce the overall risk of lung cancer. “In many cases, they offset other power-generating sources that can contribute to air pollution that can cause lung cancer.”

Lung cancer is the leading cause of death from cancer, accounting for 25% of cancer deaths, according to the American Cancer Society. Air pollution accounts for 14% of all lung cancer cases worldwide, according to data reported by Christine Berg, MD, of the National Cancer Institute, at the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer 2021 World Conference on Lung Cancer. And in 2019, power generation accounted for 25% of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

“As the nation begins to think green and seek sustainable energy sources, interest in solar energy is growing. While research continues to evaluate newer panel technologies, solar panels have not been shown to cause cancer.” — Karen Winkfield, MD, PhD, board-certified radiation oncologist and Ingram Professor of Cancer Research at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center and 2022 Cancer.Net Associate Editor for Radiation Oncology & Health Equity

Can the materials from which solar panels are made increase the risk of cancer?

Most solar panels are made largely of glass and an aluminum frame, along with other commonly used plastics and wires. Additionally, the cells of solar panels used to capture sunlight are made of silicon, a naturally occurring element.

Although solar panels can contain small amounts of hazardous materials, Dr. Kittner points out that these materials are self-contained. “They’re used in the module itself, so the risk is minimal,” says Dr. Kittner, adding that most people don’t have direct contact with solar panels, even if they’re mounted on the roof of their home.

However, the safe and environmentally friendly disposal of old or storm damaged solar panels is an important issue for communities, researchers, manufacturers and policy makers alike. Researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory outlined the most promising approaches to recycling solar panels in a 2020 study in Nature Energy.

Can Radiation From Solar Panels Increase Cancer Risk?

Electric and magnetic fields together are called electromagnetic fields or electromagnetic radiation. Think of these electromagnetic fields as a spectrum, with low-frequency radiation on the low end, which includes things like power lines, and high-frequency radiation on the high end, which includes things like x-rays. Low-frequency radiation is less harmful than high-frequency radiation, which can damage DNA and cells.

Power from solar panels and transmission to the grid emits extremely weak electromagnetic fields. Exposure to weak electromagnetic fields has been extensively studied and according to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is no evidence that they are harmful to human health. In fact, the WHO notes that most scientists and physicians agree that when low-level electromagnetic fields cause health effects, they are likely to be very small compared to other health risks people face in everyday life.

Other agencies, such as the European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Emerging and Emerging Health Risks, are taking a more cautious stance. They say that according to a 2015 report it is possible but far from conclusive that extremely low frequency magnetic fields are carcinogenic or have the potential to cause cancer. In the same report, the committee notes that studies on magnetic fields generated by rooftop solar panels are scarce and that no conclusions can be drawn.

How can I learn more about solar energy?

The US Department of Energy’s website contains extensive resources and information on solar technology, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s website also provides an introduction to solar energy. To learn more about EMFs and cancer, visit the National Cancer Institute website.

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure to learn more.

It’s about time we finally talked about solar panel radiation and whether or not that should be a problem for you. In the last 5-10 years the cost of installing a solar system in your home has dropped significantly. This means that the money you save from free energy generated by the solar panels will ultimately outweigh the cost of installing the system.

The result of this shift means that we are seeing more solar panels, or photovoltaic systems, installed on homes, offices, even vans and RVs.

First, let’s briefly answer the question.

Do solar panels emit EMF radiation? Although solar panels emit EMF radiation, it’s fairly small and probably not dangerous. The real problem is that the solar panel system or photovoltaic system creates dirty electricity that ends up radiating EMF radiation into the home. The other concern comes from “smart meters” installed to monitor how much solar energy is being produced by the home.

Now let’s dive a little deeper so we can understand how solar panels work and if the radiation they produce is a problem.

How solar panels work

To understand the type of radiation that solar panels emit, we need to understand how these systems work.

These systems are typically divided into three components:

The solar modules themselves The cabling systems The inverter

First of all, the solar panels themselves are unlikely to pose an EMF radiation risk. They only produce a small amount of low-voltage DC electricity that produces very little EMF radiation. Since the panels are also not close to your body, the distance will likely protect you fully, even if they emit more EMF radiation.

These panels work by converting light into electricity when sunlight hits the panels. Minerals in the plates are able to make this transformation.

This newly produced electricity is routed through a cabling system to what is known as an inverter. The inverter converts this somewhat unusable energy into 120 volt AC power that can be used to power typical electronics like your TV, computer, or anything else. It enters your electrical system in the same way that electricity from your utility company does.

These inverters are typically installed in one of two ways. Either it’s a large box somewhere in the house, usually near the electrical panel. Or they are micro-inverters under or near the panels themselves. These micro-inverters usually feed into a larger inverter somewhere on the property before the power actually gets to the grid.

In any case, as I understand it, the current flowing through the wires between the panels and the inverter is metallic and does not emit radiation. These also do not produce dirty electricity as they are designed for this type of electricity.

That doesn’t mean that solar arrays don’t produce dirty electricity, because they do, it just comes after the inverter. We’ll talk more about that in a moment.

Well, the other source of EMF radiation from solar panels, aside from dirty electricity, depends on how you use your solar-generated electricity.

Some households choose to simply use the electricity for their own needs. However, many people choose to sell all or a portion of their solar-generated electricity back to the utility.

When this is the case, and sometimes when this is not the case, a “smart meter” is installed to monitor how much energy is being produced, how much is being consumed, how efficient the panels are, etc. Just like everyone else smart meters transmit this data wirelessly in packets. When this data is transmitted, large amounts of RF energy are emitted.

So, to sum it up, although solar panels themselves do not emit EMFs, the systems absolutely do. Most of the EMF radiation emitted by solar panel systems comes from the installed smart meters and the dirty electricity generated.

Now that we understand this better, let’s talk about why this could be dangerous.

Solar panel radiation – what you need to know

So we’re going to break this down into the two sources of radiation that a solar panel system might expose you to:

RF emissions from the meter

dirty stream

Well, I won’t go too deep into any of these because I’ve written many articles about each one and why it can be dangerous. Instead, I’ll talk briefly about why this should be a problem, link you to some more thorough articles and research if you’re curious, and then talk about how you can protect yourself.

RF emissions from smart meters

RF or radio frequency radiation is actually one of the three types of EMF radiation. The other two are magnetic field and electric field.

Radio frequency is emitted by almost every device that communicates or receives communications wirelessly. Radio waves are used to send packets of data between two wireless devices, but they also emit a type of non-ionizing radiation as a result.

Hundreds of studies have shown that prolonged exposure to RF radiation has adverse biological effects. Common sources are cell phones, WiFi routers, cell towers, including 5G towers, and smart meters.

Smart meters, in case you don’t know, are simply utility meters that track usage and wirelessly transmit data about that usage. This saves the energy supplier money because they no longer have to send employees to read the meters.

However, when these smart meters transmit this data, they emit a large amount of RF energy, exposing those nearby. Many smart meters are located on the outside wall opposite a bedroom and therefore pose a real risk.

When it comes to the radiation from a solar panel system, we need to look at how much radiation is specifically emitted by the solar smart meter.

Well not every system will have one of these meters, you will probably only have a specific solar smart meter if you sell some of the energy back to a company or if the area you live in needs it.

If you have a smart solar meter (or any smart meter at all), we’re about to talk about how to protect yourself.

Dirty electricity from solar panel inverters

Now it’s time to talk about the more ubiquitous radiation hazard posed by solar panel systems: dirty electricity. If you want to read a complete guide to dirty electricity you can do so here, but I’ll cover the basics.

Dirty electricity is essentially unusable electricity trapped in your electrical wiring. The wiring in your house is probably 60 Hertz AC if you live in the United States and 50 Hertz if you live in Europe. This system worked well when most electrical devices used this type of electricity.

However, with the development of modern technology, the devices required more, less or different amounts of power that this system could not support. So when these devices attempt to use the power in an unintended way, what is known as high-frequency voltage transients are created. These result from the irregular power surges and become unusable.

This unusable current then gets stuck in your electrical system, radiating EMFs into your home or office.

Dirty electricity is usually generated when devices attempt to use 60/50 Hertz electrical systems in any of the following ways:

Converting the 60 hertz alternating current (alternating current) to a low voltage direct current (direct current) or a higher voltage alternating current. Current is drawn intermittently in short bursts by switching the electrical current on and off, sometimes thousands of times per second.

So when the electricity from your solar panels is converted into electricity for your home, it often results in dirty electricity. Some inverters are better at mitigating this than others, but almost all still result in dirty electricity.

The process of converting the low voltage DC power from the panels into usable power for the home constantly brings dirty power into your lines. Over time this builds up to significant levels and can expose you to large amounts of EMF radiation.

The radiation emitted by these cords can be measured up to 6 feet from the cords and outlets. If you are electrically sensitive, this is even more of a concern.

Okay, now that we understand how solar panel systems can emit radiation, let’s talk about how we can protect ourselves.

Protect yourself from solar panel radiation

There are some strategies you can use to protect yourself from radiation that is ultimately caused by solar panel systems.

Just like before, we’re going to break this down into two different parts, but before we do that there’s one tool you’ll need and that’s an EMF meter.

I recommend buying an EMF meter to literally anyone who is concerned about EMF radiation, whether it’s their home WiFi, their microwave oven, their cell phone, or yes, even solar panels.

With a good EMF meter, you can not only find sources of radiation, but also know if the things you are doing to mitigate that radiation are actually working.

So I won’t elaborate on how these work, instead I’ll link you to my article on the subject.

Also, I just want to say that by far the best meter for this purpose is the Trifield TF2, which I use all the time. Now there are more expensive gauges on the market but this one is perfect if you are just starting out. It is inexpensive yet accurately measures all three types of EMF radiation.

Okay, now let’s talk about how to protect ourselves from solar panel radiation.

Protection against smart meters

First, let me say that if you want more in-depth information on what smart meters are, why they are dangerous, and how to protect yourself, you should check out these articles:

If you read all of these, you’ll be a relative expert on smart meter radiation. For the purposes of this article, however, I’ll assume you already understand that your solar panel smart meter emits RF radiation, and we’re going to talk about a few simple ways to protect yourself.

Reject

Just like with utility smart meters, there may be a way for you to opt out of purchasing a solar panel smart meter. Many of these meters are installed by utility companies without the homeowner’s knowledge or consent. If you find that your solar panel system has a smart meter, contact the company that installed it and ask for a opt-out.

Smart meter opt-outs are still a gray area, and states decide what to allow. Some states allow you to opt out but the Company may charge you a fee, some states allow you to opt out and they may not charge you a fee, and some states do not allow you to opt out at all.

However, this should definitely be your first step because if you can get rid of the smart meter then you have solved this problem immediately.

What to do if you can’t unsubscribe?

If you can’t opt ​​out of your solar panel smart meter, you need to reduce the amount of radiation it exposes you to. It can be done with a few simple products.

Smart Meter Shield – (You can pick one up here) I have a whole article on this, but basically this is a little Faraday cage that you place over the glass cover of your smart meter. This will block any RF radiation emitted to the outside and sides. They are very easy to install and relatively inexpensive. EMF Protection Paint – (See my review here) I talked earlier about how EMF Protection Paint should probably be used situationally and in my opinion this would be that situation. So this type of color block EMF radiation coming in direct line is a perfect product to block radiation coming into your home from a smart meter. Be sure to check out my review or do your own research to make sure you are applying and priming the paint correctly.

EMF Blocking Frame Liner – (Get the product here) This can be used in place of the EMF blocking paint and is a really cool product. It is essentially a simple liner that blocks EMF radiation and can be inserted into any frame. This way you can frame a picture, poster or pretty much anything and then hang it on the wall that you share with your smart meter to block the radiation. This probably isn’t quite as thorough as you can’t easily cover such a large area, but it’s a lot easier and cheaper than EMF protection paint.

Okay, now that we’ve covered how to protect yourself from the smart meter monitoring your solar panel performance, let’s talk about what we can do with the dirty electricity.

Protect yourself from dirty electricity from solar panels

Just like with the smart meters above, I won’t go into detail about what dirty electricity is or how to protect yourself from it. However, here are some resources where you can learn more.

Alright, now let’s talk about what we can do.

Remember that dirty electricity builds up in your electrical system and emits EMF radiation. You can use an EMF meter like the one mentioned above to measure the radiation emitted by the wiring in your walls, but these meters won’t tell you how much dirty electricity is in your system.

For this you need a special dirty electric meter. There are two companies that make these gauges (and the filters, which we’ll talk about in a moment): Greenwave and Graham Stetzer. I have both gauges and filters for both companies.

However, I like this measuring device from Greenwave a little better. Even so, you should get the meter from the company you get filters from so it will be more accurate.

Okay now let’s talk a little bit about dirt electricity filters because this is a great product that will surely reduce the overall electro smog in your home because remember, dirt electricity doesn’t just come from solar panels but from all kinds of electronics.

As with meters, there are basically two companies that make quality dirty power filters that actually work: Greenwave and Graham Stetzer.

Stetzer filters have been around for a long time, but I really like the Greenwaves products and technology.

Both are extremely simple, you essentially just plug them into outlets in any main room and they filter the dirty electricity out of your house. You should be able to get a reading with your meter, plug it in for about 24 hours, and then get another reading to see how much lower it is. When dirty electricity is less, your exposure to EMF radiation is less.

You can get Graham Stetzer filters here.

Personally, I currently use Greenwave filters. They have different kits for different size houses so here are some links to those:

That’s pretty much it, so let’s summarize a few things.

If you are very sensitive to EMF radiation and have something called electrohypersensitivity or EHS then I would suggest not installing a solar panel system.

However, if you already have a system or are planning to install one, here are some summarized tips:

Place the inverter outside of areas where you spend a lot of time.

Get a Smart Meter Shield if you have a solar smart meter.

Measure and filter dirty electricity caused by solar power system.

That’s it, you should be reasonably good on your feet.

If you would also like to check out my full updated list of EMF protection products, you can see that here.

Now let’s cover some related questions.

related questions

The bottom line is, yes, solar panels ultimately cause an increase in EMF radiation, but I wouldn’t say they’re the biggest culprit. However, this is a complicated issue and I had a few questions about it, so I wanted to do my best to answer a few other general and related questions.

If I haven’t answered your questions in this article, please feel free to contact us.

Do solar panels emit EMF radiation?

As we discussed above, solar panels emit a very small amount of EMF radiation. However, the greatest risk of radiation does not come from the panels themselves, but from the dirty electricity generated by the system itself.

Can solar panels cause cancer?

The short answer is no, solar panels are unlikely to cause cancer. When solar panels first came onto the market, there was concern that they would attract the sun into an area and increase UV radiation, which could ultimately lead to skin cancer, but this theory has been disproved.

Now there is a link between increased exposure to EMF radiation and certain types of cancer. As we’ve discussed, solar panel systems can increase your overall radiation exposure, which in theory could increase your chances, but there are simple steps you can take which we’ve outlined above. Additionally, to my knowledge, there are no studies linking solar panel radiation specifically to cancer.

Do solar panels interfere with WiFi?

No, your solar energy system will not interfere with the WiFi in your home or office. For the most part, the entire system is encapsulated in the panels, wiring and inverter.

The only part of a solar system that would even have anything to do with WiFi would be a smart meter that measures the amount of electricity generated. These meters use radio waves to transmit information in the same way that a wireless router does.

However, these signals will not interfere with each other.

5 minutes read

Although solar energy is generally safer and cleaner compared to other fuels, it is not 100% green or safe. So can solar panels cause headaches?

Solar panels do not increase a person’s risk of getting a headache. While some solar systems may contain elements that emit radiation, levels of emissions are usually quite small. These levels typically conform to Federal Communications Commission standards for electrical equipment.

If you’re concerned about the possible health effects of solar panels, read on to learn more about the effects they can have on your health.

Can Solar Panels Cause Headaches?

Many families have solar panels installed in their homes. Solar energy can not only reduce your energy costs, but is also good for the environment.

Now, depending on the sun for energy is a great fuel alternative. But is there more to the story? Many homeowners often wonder what risks solar energy exposes them to. There is a growing concern about whether the solar panels we install on our properties are harming our lives.

This is because these systems contain materials that generate electromagnetic fields and electric currents. So, to answer, can solar panels cause headaches?

First, let’s understand how they work and the risks they pose to our lives.

What exactly is a solar panel?

To understand the health effects solar panels could have, we first need to know what they are. These are photovoltaic cells made from glass, aluminum and silicon materials. As the cells absorb sunlight, the silicon atoms inside begin to move and migrate toward the aluminum, causing direct current.

This direct current (DC) is then converted to alternating current (AC) using a solar inverter, which powers your devices. In addition to the large panels installed in the roofs, a small panel can also be placed on a calculator.

Do solar panels cause headaches?

We have already mentioned that solar panels are made of some materials that generate electromagnetic fields and electric currents. In addition, some solar cells are said to contain toxic elements or compounds, including gallium arsenide and cadmium telluride.

However, these elements do not increase a person’s risk of getting headaches or other diseases. Although solar systems have components that emit radiation, the level of emissions is limited. Most panels comply with Federal Communications Commission standards for electrical equipment.

In addition, these systems release direct current, which is then transported via electrical lines in the form of alternating current. Therefore, they do not emit any electromagnetic fields directly. Although they may contain toxic elements, most home solar panels are made with safe silicon technology.

Therefore, the health concerns of these panels are not too worrying.

solar panels and radiation

Electronics emit electromagnetic (EM) fields and radio frequency (RF) radiation. In a solar system, the inverter, which converts direct current into alternating current, generates these radiations. EM fields are believed to cause health problems in some individuals. However, this depends on the level emitted by a device.

Solar panels emit varying amounts of EMF. This difference is caused by factors such as panel size, number of panels, use of other DC sources, and the efficiency of your inverter. Therefore, we cannot say how much dirty electricity (DE) solar panels emit.

So does that mean we can’t know if solar panels can cause health problems before we install them? no You can use an oscilloscope and a microscope to measure the amount of DE in your home.

What are the health risks of RF radiation?

When people hear the word radiation, they associate it with powerful X-rays and atomic bombs. However, this term also includes visible light and radio waves, which are not dangerous.

When the frequency of electromagnetic radiation is high, it causes health problems. For example, if you increase the frequency of a beam of light, it becomes ionizing radiation, which can cause cancer and cell damage. However, at low frequencies, RF radiation is harmless.

For this reason, it is used in dental X-rays and other harmless procedures.

What are the health risks of EM radiation?

All particles charged by electronics create EM fields. Since our protons and electrons are electrically powered, this means we also generate EMFs. Some EMR examples include:

microwaves

Ultraviolet light

radio waves

Infrared

visible light

X-rays

gamma rays

Solar inverters emit some EM radiation when converting DC power to AC power, which powers your home. This conversion can create dirty electricity that is biologically harmful. DE has been linked to various medical conditions such as headaches, tinnitus, insomnia and muscle weakness in those suffering from electrohypersensitivity.

But it can also affect other people acutely.

However, note that there is no actual evidence of the negative effects of EMR. While various studies claim that this radiation can cause certain types of cancer, some say the radiation emitted by solar panels is too low to cause a known health condition.

What are the advantages of solar panels?

1. Protects the environment

Solar energy is considered safe and clean and does not emit any hazardous substances into the environment. This not only protects the planet, but also our health.

2. Increases the value of a house

The growing demand for green energy makes homes with solar panels more attractive than those that rely on traditional energy sources. Solar energy can increase the value of a home by around 2.5%, but this depends on the location.

3. Energy saving

Installing solar panels can be expensive initially. However, over time, your monthly electricity bills will decrease. But how much money you save depends on whether where you live gets a lot of sunlight, how many panels you have, and how much energy you use.

However, you can still expect some reduction.

Are there any downsides to using solar?

Yes. Solar panels have several disadvantages such as:

1. Not suitable in cloudy places

The effectiveness of solar panels depends on the sun. In areas with a cloudy climate, it takes a long time for your investment to pay off.

2. They may have some impact on the environment

To create these systems, manufacturers can use toxic chemicals such as hydrogen, sulfuric acid, acetone, etc. Also, water, fuel, transportation, and other useful resources are used during crafting.

So while solar panels reduce greenhouse gases, they also cause some environmental problems.

3. High initial costs

Solar energy will eventually lower your electricity bills, but it requires a large amount of installation. It costs between $10,000 and $27,000 to have a solar panel installed in your home. And many homeowners may not be able to afford those upfront payments.

What Are the Health Benefits of Solar?

Solar energy has been linked to various health benefits. As it reduces air pollution, it helps create a healthy environment for us. According to MIT, air pollution is believed to cause more than 200,000 premature deaths in the United States each year.

Since it is a type of renewable energy, its use also reduces cancer prevalence.

Should I install a solar panel?

Well, solar panels can add some DE to your home, which has a biological effect. But we should mention that we are all different. Sensitive people tend to react strongly to radio frequency, while others only react to magnetic or electric fields.

Some people will have EHS symptoms and some will not, even if they have used solar panels for an extended period of time. Well, there is no way to tell how you will react to these radiations until you are actually exposed to them. Therefore, the decision of whether or not you should install a solar panel is really up to you.

But if you do, here is our advice:

Determine if a company conducts EHS testing and has been certified. Before purchasing your solar panel, read the product label to determine how environmentally safe it has been.

Although certifications don’t guarantee safety, they do help you know if a product has been manufactured to high standards. Some certifications to look for are:

OHSAS (occupational health and safety management)

ISO14001:2015 (environmental management standard)

ISO 9001:2015 (quality management standard)

Also check the fire and electrical safety of your product.

HERE are some of the best solar panels I’ve used.

How long do solar panels last? 25 years (or longer). This is the industry standard guarantee from Tier 1 manufacturers. In reality, solar panels can last much longer: the warranty typically guarantees that the panels will operate at over 80% of their rated efficiency after 25 years. A study by NREL shows that most panels are still producing energy after 25 years, albeit with slightly reduced performance.

Investing in solar energy is a long-term commitment. Upfront costs can be high, but the investment pays back over time in tax incentives and monthly savings on your energy bill.

Investing in solar energy is a long-term commitment. Upfront costs can be high, but the investment pays back over time in tax incentives and monthly savings on your energy bill.

When trying to calculate the value of your investment over time, one of the first questions we get is “how long will solar panels last?”

The panels are usually guaranteed for 25 years, so you can expect them to last at least that long. In reality, however, studies have shown that modules continue to operate at reduced efficiency long after the warranty has expired. Let’s do a little math: solar panels lose 0.5% to 1% in efficiency every year. At the end of a 25 year warranty, your modules should still be producing energy at 75-87.5% of their rated output. FREE Solar Panel Guide Learn More »

According to an NREL study [PDF], nearly 80% of solar panels last longer than their warranty.

Standard warranties for solar panels

The typical warranty for solar panels is 25 years. During this time, manufacturers guarantee that the modules will operate at or near peak efficiency. Most panels are covered to perform at least 80% of their rated output during the warranty period.

For example, a 300 watt panel should be at least 240 watts (80% of its rated output) at the end of a 25 year warranty.

Some companies offer 30-year guarantees or promise 85% efficiency, but those are outliers. The standard is 25 years at 80% efficiency.

Solar panels also have a separate labor warranty to cover manufacturing defects such as B. a faulty junction box or a faulty frame. Typically, the labor warranty is 10 years, with some manufacturers offering a 20 year labor warranty.

So…how long do solar panels really last?

So what happens after the 25-year mark? 80% efficient panels still work, right?

There are no tricks here – the answer is yes! If your modules are still putting out energy, there’s no real reason to replace them.

Panels often continue to produce energy long after the warranty has expired. According to a 2012 study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory [PDF], the average degradation rate for modules is between 0.5% and 0.8% per year. The degradation rate is the rate at which solar panels lose efficiency over time. A module with a degradation rate of 1% per year is 10% less efficient after 10 years.

In fact, 78% of the systems tested had a degradation rate of less than 1% per year. This means that after 25 years of use, about 4 out of 5 solar panels are still operating at 75% efficiency or better.

At this point, it’s safe to assume that your solar panels will continue to produce some form of energy long after the warranty has expired. For a great example, see this 30-year-old panel in the Green Building Advisor. When the owner pulled it off his roof and ran tests, it still performed better than the factory specs.

Here’s what this means for your ROI

That’s good news if your primary concern is getting a positive return on investment (ROI) for your system. Most online calculators estimating solar savings base the calculation on a 25 year warranty period. Every extra mile you get from your panels is an added bonus. Is Solar a Smart Investment? Use our solar ROI calculator to estimate your payback time – how long it will take for tax incentives and energy cost savings to cover the upfront cost of your system.

We cannot guarantee panels will survive their warranty (that’s the point of a warranty, after all). In reality, however, most panels produce at reduced capacity long after their lifetime should have expired. This is because solar panels have no moving parts and are therefore usually extremely reliable.

When your solar system is paid off and your panels continue to produce, your ROI will far exceed the estimate provided to you by online calculators (including ours).

Want to give your panels the best chance of outlasting their warranty? A little effort is enough to keep your system running smoothly.

This will extend the life of your system

Remember that solar panels are probably the most resilient part of your solar system. You still need to service or replace inverters and batteries to keep everything running.

Inverters have a shorter lifespan than your modules and will need to be replaced regardless of the type of system you have. If you’re off-grid (or tethered to the grid with a battery backup), battery maintenance and replacement will incur additional costs for you down the line.

The best way to protect your investment is to thoroughly inspect the system after installation. Check your shelving to make sure the panels and wiring are secure. The biggest threats to the life of your modules are physical damage or power failures due to improper installation.

Replace inverter after 10 years

Most grid-tied inverters come with a 10-year warranty, and many manufacturers offer the option to upgrade to 20-25 year warranty coverage.

Extended warranties for inverters are a smart investment. It can be assumed that you will replace your inverter at least once before the warranty on your modules has expired. If your inverter fails after 15 years, it will likely be replaced with a newer and better model.

Check with the inverter manufacturer for extended warranty options and policies. Warranty extensions are purchased directly from the manufacturer. SMA and SolarEdge both currently offer affordable warranty extensions for inverters.

Off-grid inverters have shorter warranties. They range from 1 to 5 years, with extensions up to 10 years available for some models.

When purchasing an extended warranty, pay careful attention to the small details. Some will cover parts but not labor.

This may not bother you if you want to replace the inverter yourself. But you can pay out of pocket if you need a contractor to replace the inverter later.

Service and replace batteries

Battery maintenance and replacement are among the main expenses of off-grid systems. Even lower-maintenance battery types like lithium and sealed lead-acid batteries still need to be checked a few times a year.

Most batteries have a 3-10 year warranty depending on the brand. But if you don’t take proper care of your batteries, they can fail within the first year of ownership.

For example, lead-acid batteries must be fully charged after use and will be permanently damaged if left uncharged for long periods of time.

Most high-quality deep-cycle off-grid batteries last between 5 and 15 years, depending on the battery type and how it is used and maintained. You can extend the life of your batteries by taking proper care of them and making sure they are installed correctly.

The best thing you can do is get your system right from the start. Consider the right amount of battery capacity, solar power, and inverter power in advance to keep everything working properly.

Account for loss of efficiency

Here’s the key takeaway: It’s highly unlikely that you’ll need to replace your solar panels before the warranty expires. Solar panels last a long time – longer than the other parts of the system.

However, the loss of efficiency can cause your system to no longer meet your energy needs. As your system performance shrinks (or your power consumption grows), it’s possible to add capacity to your system, provided the old and new parts are compatible. For more information on this process, see our guide to expanding your solar energy system.

The sun is plentiful and now is the time to harness its power. Solar energy is as reliable as the sun. Still, it’s fair to ask:

Do solar panels produce energy at night?

Technically no. Solar panels produce no energy at night. The photovoltaic cells in solar panels need sunlight to generate electricity. But that’s not the bottom line. Solar panels offer two indirect energy solutions for the night.

Solar panels work hard all day to generate electricity from the sun. They also support sustainable solar energy solutions at night. They can also benefit from their energy production after sunset through net metering and solar battery storage. So if you’re asking how do solar panels work at night? These are the two indirect ways they can.

Solar energy is changing the way we power our lives. Grid connection with net metering and solar battery storage allow your solar energy system to provide power when your solar panels are dormant – so you can rock 24/7.

Net metering keeps you connected

Connecting your solar panel system to the power grid enables net metering. Where offered, net metering works like a savings account. If your solar panels produce excess electricity, this is fed into the grid.

In return, you will receive a refund from the electricity company or a credit on your bill. At night, you can access the energy credits that you have invested in the power grid during the day.

With net metering, it turns on when your panels aren’t producing energy at night. This bi-directional connection allows power to flow in and out of your home.​

The grid connection ensures that your house is supplied with electricity, regardless of fluctuations in the production of solar panels. In this way, the grid serves as a communal solar energy store.

Net metering is an efficient process. Ideally, your net meter credits will cover your costs for purchasing energy from the grid. However, it is not offered everywhere and its future is uncertain. Some electricity companies are phasing out net metering. Or its benefits dwindle.

With the increasing popularity of solar energy, electrical companies are looking to maintain their position in the energy market. In some net metering cases, you may even have to pay more to withdraw power than you were originally credited with.

It is valuable to check the status of net metering policies in your area. And consider expanding your solar panel system with solar battery storage for a reliable overnight power solution. Our solar consultants are here to help, contact us today with your net metering questions.

It’s no secret that solar energy is good for the environment. Reducing dependence on harmful fossil fuels frees up limited resources and ensures the planet remains a healthy place to live. But when bringing solar energy into your own space, there’s a lot to consider. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the benefits it can offer to both businesses and homeowners. If you’re interested in making the switch to solar it’s important that you understand the full scope of your investment, so we’ve tackled the key pros and cons of making the switch.

Advantages of solar energy Disadvantages of solar energy Reduces electricity bills High initial costs Offers tax incentives Time consuming Pairs with solar battery storage Weather dependent Environmentally friendly Strict criteria

The benefits of solar energy

#1. Solar energy reduces your monthly electricity bill

One of the most important benefits that solar energy will give you immediately is lower electricity bills. Because your energy needs are met by your new solar system, your electricity bills will drop significantly. You may even get credit for the excess energy your system is producing, helping to even out your bill.

#2. Solar energy offers lucrative tax incentives

The most talked about benefits of solar energy are the tax incentives that come with it. Right now, eligible homeowners who choose to purchase solar panels can recover 26% of their total purchase cost in the form of a federal tax credit. New York State also has a $5,000 tax credit. Not only have these incentives given homeowners a faster return on their investment in solar power. It has also created jobs and has resulted in the solar energy industry expanding dramatically in a relatively short period of time. The catch is that the incentive programs have expiration dates, so waiting for installation in the future could mean missing out on incentives and bigger refunds.

#3. Solar energy can be coupled with a solar battery storage

Solar panels and battery storage are an ideal combination when paired together. Battery storage allows you to store electricity and discharge it for later use, which is perfect for people who want to produce all of their own electricity and not rely on the grid or use fossil fuel generators. Home battery backup systems are designed to charge during the day, and homeowners can either use this power at night or store it to power the home when the grid goes out. We recommend installing more than one battery to ensure you have enough power to power your home whenever you need it. Our standard package consists of two Tesla Powerwall units.

#4. Solar energy is environmentally friendly

Solar energy is a clean, renewable resource. Many Americans are looking for ways to be greener, and solar power ticks many boxes. Solar cells are naturally powered by sunlight. When you power your home, you significantly reduce the emissions you put into the environment. In addition, solar energy is not generally associated with pollution, so you reduce your carbon footprint.

The disadvantages of solar energy

With all the advantages that solar energy offers, there are some disadvantages that need to be discussed.

#5. The acquisition costs can be high

Although the cost of renewable energy sources has come down sharply over the past decade, buying a solar system doesn’t come cheap. The initial cost of buying a solar panel system can be quite high since you are essentially prepaying for your next 25+ years of electricity. While the savings are huge, not everyone can buy a system right away. Financing packages are available to help homeowners pay and save from the first month.

A solar system includes solar panels, inverters, wiring and installation, all of which must be paid for in advance. That being said, installing solar power avoids utility bills, so it more than pays for itself over time. Switching to solar with a quality company will maximize your investment and help you make the best financial decision when it comes to solar. Many banks now offer great financing options and offer free quotes online so you have all the information you need to get ahead.

#6. The approval process can be time-consuming

Many people don’t know this, but before installation can take place, you need an approved permit from your local government agency. Switching to solar energy is different than getting a new roof or replacing the windows in your home. Government restrictions can add weeks to months to a project installation. Depending on how strict your local government is and how quickly permits are approved, the process can take a long time. As this can be a time consuming and cumbersome process, we take on that responsibility by managing the entire approval process with your local government. As you get started on your solar project, remember that this step can add time to a project. It is important to fully understand the schedule provided by your installer and to remain in close communication with your project manager to ensure this process goes as smoothly as possible.

#7. weather dependency

Because solar panels rely on the sun to generate energy, they can produce less electricity on cloudy or rainy days. Luckily, solar panels don’t need 100% sunlight to work. Depending on cloud density, your solar panels can still capture some of the sun’s energy to give you enough electricity for your home to store. In addition, many users generate excess energy credits in the summer months, which can be used in times of lower solar radiation, such as in the evening and winter. Even if the sun doesn’t shine, your credit bank works for you!

#8th. Not every roof meets the criteria for solar

Individual energy needs, available roof space, orientation, material, and shading all play a role in determining whether your home is suitable for solar energy. For example, a large, south-facing roof with no obstructions (like vents and skylights) would be ideal for solar panels. A system on a small, west-facing rooftop surrounded by tall trees may not be able to generate the same amount of energy.

We’d love to bring the sun to the whole world, but let’s be honest if your home isn’t ideal for solar panels. Luckily, our region has community solar. You can subscribe to a local project to virtually offset your bill with renewable energy and save an average of 10% monthly.

Get a Free Solar Estimate Today!

It is not for nothing that solar systems are becoming more and more popular. Their environmental and financial benefits are proving to be worthwhile. Curious if your home or business would be a good candidate for a solar power system? Contact us to start the conversation!

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If you’ve been researching solar systems, or if a solar installer has tried to sell you a system, it can be difficult to separate the sales pitch and gimmicky marketing language from the real benefits to you.

Investing in solar energy can be a big financial investment. Equipping your home with a solar system doesn’t come cheap and is something you’ll have to grapple with for the next 20+ years.

We’ll go through all the pros and cons of solar power and what each means for your wallet and carbon footprint.

Pros and cons of solar panels

There are many moving parts when it comes to making a decision about solar. Your financial situation and solar energy goals will determine how much each pro and con influences your decision.

This table lists the most common advantages and disadvantages of solar energy that people have to contend with.

Benefits of Solar Power Disadvantages of Solar Power Reduce or eliminate utility bills Solar panels are expensive Reduce your carbon footprint Long payback period Improve the value of your home Not viable for all roofs or homes Off-grid energy Less savings with low electricity costs Earn money back from SRECs Installation can be difficult Take advantage of incentive programs Financial liability

Benefits of solar panels

Reduce or eliminate utility bills

The biggest benefit of solar panels for those looking for cost savings is the potential to reduce or eliminate their electricity bills. Many solar sellers will also start their pitch with this.

The whole idea behind solar panels is to generate electricity. This electricity then goes back into the grid. Your energy supplier subtracts the amount of electricity you put into the grid from what you actually used.

Depending on how much electricity you’re feeding into the grid, you could potentially end up with a $0 electric bill during months when you’ve been generating more than you’re consuming. This billing mechanism is called net metering. If you live in an area with net metering, you can also get credits for the excess energy you produce.

Example: In September you generate 200 kWh of energy, but only consume 150 kWh. The extra 50kWh of energy would be transferred to your October bill in the form of a bill credit.

There are many caveats here, so researching local net metering laws is extremely important.

Reduce your carbon footprint

For many, the main reason to invest in solar is to reduce their carbon footprint. Solar panels do not emit carbon dioxide when generating electricity, but there is a certain carbon footprint associated with their production.

As a general rule of thumb, for the first 3 years that your panels are in operation, account for 50g of CO2 per kilowatt hour. Although there is some carbon footprint, solar panels have a 20x lower carbon footprint than traditional coal power generation. After the first 3 years of production, your solar panels are CO2 neutral for the rest of their lifespan.

Improve your home value

One of the biggest financial benefits of solar energy systems is the increase in the value of your home. While the increase will vary based on location and other factors in the real estate market, the increase in home value is relatively large.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory found that for every $1 in savings on utility bills, the value of your home increases by $20. So a solar power system that saves $200 a year would also add $4,000 to the value of a home.

Additionally, Zillow data shows that homes with solar panels sell up to 4.1% more than homes without them.

Energy independence from the grid

If you’ve ever endured power outages lasting days or weeks, the idea of ​​being in control of your own power system is ideal.

Alternatively, those who prefer to have a home or cottage off-grid for any reason can install solar panels to create their own independent power source.

Whatever your reasoning, with the right equipment, you can use solar panels to build your own self-contained clean energy system. This generally requires the use of a solar battery system to store energy.

If that’s your goal, be sure to consult with your solar installer to ensure you get all the equipment you need to power your home during a grid-wide blackout.

Earn money back from SRECs

Solar Energy Credits, or “SRECs” for short, are a performance-based incentive that allows you to earn credits for each megawatt-hour (MWh) or kilowatt-hour of electricity your solar array produces.

For every MWh generated, you get an SREC that can be sold for sometimes hundreds of dollars. Unlike net metering, this is real money that you can put in your pocket or use to pay off your solar panel loan.

The downside is that SRECs are only available in a limited number of states, most of which are in the Northeast. States with SRECs vary in the level of costs, but there is an additional benefit to using solar energy.

Benefit from incentive programs

The United States is experiencing a solar renaissance. Improved technology and manufacturing costs coupled with federal and state incentives are making the transition to solar energy easier than ever.

The federal solar tax credit won’t last forever, and with many local governments pushing for more clean energy, you can take advantage of these programs to save a lot of money on your system.

Disadvantages of solar panels

Solar panels are expensive

The average 5kW solar panel system costs $15,000 in the United States. Larger systems can quickly reach prices of $20,000. Not exactly small change.

Many people choose to finance their solar panels, which means they also incur interest that increases costs.

It’s a big financial decision, and it’s something you can’t get out of. Solar panels are usually a commitment of 20 years or more.

Long payback period

We have found that solar panels can be expensive, which also means that they can take several years to pay for themselves, ie. H. their payback period.

The payback period for solar panels depends on the cost of electricity in your area, the number of incentives you receive, your system’s power production, and the cost of your system.

To determine your payback period, follow this formula:

Gross Cost – Incentives = Total Cost

Total Cost ÷ Annual Savings = Payback Period

Here is an example.

Gross Cost of $25,000 – Incentives of $6,500 = Total Cost of $18,500

Total cost of $18,500 ÷ Annual savings of $2,000 = 9.25 years

Not suitable for all roofs or houses

Although solar panels can be installed on almost any roof, that doesn’t mean it’s a good fit. Solar panels need a lot of sunlight every day to function.

If your home’s roof is in the shade due to its design or for other reasons such as trees or other houses blocking the sunlight, it may mean that solar panels will not work for you. You should also consider the climate you are in. States like Arizona and Texas get a ton of sunlight most of the year, while Maine doesn’t.

You can use Google’s Project Sunroof to determine how much sunlight your home’s roof receives per year.

Less savings with low electricity costs

The lower electricity prices are in your area, the less profitable solar is for your home.

For example, in Hawaii, where electricity prices are typically 20 cents or more per kWh, your solar panels will quickly pay for themselves. In Louisiana, where electricity rates are typically less than 8 cents per kWh, it can take time for your panels to pay for themselves.

So if you’re not looking to reduce your environmental impact and dependency on fossil fuels, consider the energy market in your area.

To help you determine your payback period and see the average energy prices in your area, we’ve created a solar calculator that will help you decide if solar is right for you.

Installation can be difficult

Installing solar panels is not an easy task. While installation usually takes a day or two, it’s not exactly as easy as snapping your fingers.

You will most likely need to hire a solar installer or contractor to install your panels. There are also some obstacles you have to jump through to get city or local permits and get your system connected to the power grid.

Also remember that in many cases your solar installer is the one who will guarantee your solar panels. If for any reason your solar installer goes out of business, you could be stuck with no guarantees of any kind to keep your panels running.

Financial Liability

When you decide to finance or lease your solar panels, you are making a significant financial commitment. Missing payments or making late payments can negatively impact your credit score.

Also pay attention to tricky conditions in your financing contract. Some unsavory lenders provide variable interest rates or payment increases based on the amount of principal and interest remaining on your loan after a certain date.

They will then structure the loan so that you have to pay more than the standard monthly payment to reach the balance after a period of time without incurring any penalties.

In short, read your agreement carefully and ask questions.

Make the right decision for solar power

Solar energy has many benefits, but it’s up to you to weigh the pros and cons for your particular goals and system.

If you’re not sure if solar is right for you, you can use our free solar calculator to help you see if it makes financial sense and walk you through the process.

Solar energy technologies and power plants do not generate air pollution or greenhouse gases when in operation. The use of solar energy can have a positive, indirect effect on the environment when solar energy replaces or reduces the use of other energy sources with greater environmental impacts. However, there are environmental issues associated with the production and use of solar energy technologies.

Solar energy technologies require the use of materials such as metals and glass, which are energy-intensive to produce. The environmental issues associated with the production of these materials could be associated with solar energy systems when performing life cycle or so-called cradle-to-grave environmental assessments. Studies conducted by a number of organizations and researchers have found that PV systems can generate the same amount of energy used to manufacture the systems within 1 to 4 years. Most PV systems have a service life of up to 30 years or more.

The manufacture of photovoltaic (PV) cells and panels uses hazardous chemicals that must be handled carefully to avoid release into the environment. Some types of PV cell technology use heavy metals and these types of cells and PV modules may require special handling when they reach the end of their useful life. Some solar thermal systems use potentially hazardous fluids to transfer heat, and leaks from these materials could be harmful to the environment. US environmental laws regulate the use and disposal of hazardous materials. The US Department of Energy supports various efforts to address end-of-life issues associated with solar energy technologies, including the recovery and recycling of the materials used to manufacture PV cells and panels. Several states have enacted laws that encourage the recycling of PV modules.

Like any type of power plant, large solar power plants can affect the environment at or near their site. The clearing of building land and the placement of the power plant can have long-term impacts on the habitats of native plants and animals. However, installing solar energy systems on land with agricultural limit or integrating solar energy systems into farms can provide farmers with a number of economic and environmental benefits.

Some solar power plants may need water to clean solar collectors and concentrators or to cool turbine generators. Using large amounts of groundwater or surface water to clean collectors in some arid locations may affect the ecosystems that depend on these water resources. In addition, the beam of concentrated sunlight produced by a solar tower can kill birds and insects that fly into the beam.

An array of photovoltaic panels provides power for use at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, California. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Jeremiah Handeland/Released (public domain)

Last updated: February 25, 2022