Solar Energy: Safe, Reliable, Environmentally Friendly

Solar Panels: Safe and Non-Toxic 

 Modern solar panels are safe and non-toxic. They are required to pass strict hazardous waste tests and are considered non-toxic by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Solar panels are made of glass, aluminum, silicon, and semi-conducting material, and do not contain liquid.  

 Some solar panels, like many everyday electronics (smartphones, laptops, microwaves, etc.), contain a negligible amount of lead for soldering. For context, a single solar panel contains half the amount of lead found in a single shotgun shell. Furthermore, because solar panels are elevated, encapsulated, and watertight, there is no risk of contamination. 

Environmental Safety of Solar Energy 

Solar is a clean energy solution that produces no air pollution, no water pollution, and no chemical emissions. Over time, solar farms offer significant improvements to local water and soil quality by reducing soil erosion and the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.  

‘Overwhelmingly Positive’ 

A study by North Carolina State University found that “the overall impact of solar development on human health is overwhelmingly positive.” Another study in the peer-reviewed journal Cell Reports Sustainability found that renewable energy generation, including through solar, provided $249 billion in climate and air quality health benefits just in the three-year period from 2019-2022. 

Decommissioning and Recycling 

When they reach the end of their use in a solar farm, panels are largely recycled or repurposed. Almost every component of a solar panel—silver, silicon, copper, aluminum, and glass—can be recycled. Many solar companies partner with specialized recycling firms to ensure a rigorous and thorough recycling process. Up to 95% of a panel can be recycled, and it is often extracted and returned to the supply chain.  

Once a solar site is decommissioned, the land can safely return to agricultural use, as no soil contamination occurs during its operation. 

Solar Panel Fire Safety 

Solar panels are extremely unlikely to catch fire. They are non-combustible and, in the unlikely event of a fire, would typically smolder rather than spread flames.  

Additionally, solar projects must submit safety response and site security plans before construction, which are reviewed by local EMS officials in Indiana. In the event of a fire, solar projects are designed to allow fire responders direct access to the fenced areas of the site. 

No, Solar Farms Don’t Cause Chemical Fires 

One misconception is that solar developments can create chemical fires. Solar panels and the equipment within solar arrays do not contain any materials that could result in a chemical fire. They are made mostly of glass and aluminum, which are not flammable.  

Research confirms that “concern over solar fire hazards should be limited because only a small portion of materials in the panels are flammable, and those components cannot self-support a significant fire.” 

Durability and Weather Resistance 

Solar panels are durable, made of tempered glass, a thick poly backing, and rigid aluminum framing. They can resist impact from golf ball sized hail and do not shatter when broken.   

Hail can be a risk to solar panels in a similar way that hail is a risk to the roof of your house. Before a solar project is built, solar panels go through rigorous testing for production and manufacturing approval. Their unique design allows them to withstand harsh weather elements such as hail, torrential rain, and wind. With advancements in technology, operation and maintenance team members can tilt the panels to avoid heavy impact from hail or other storms.  

If panels are damaged, they will be replaced, and the damaged panel will be recycled. 

Solar is the Safe, Smart Choice for Indiana Communities 

As solar energy powers more of our daily lives, questions about solar farm safety are natural. The research shows that solar is not only clean and sustainable, but also incredibly safe.