Hazards of Solar Energy

Many people expect solar power to play a major part in achieving sustainable energy supplies. Sunlight is converted into functional energy in two ways. First, photovoltaic devices directly convert sunlight into electricity. Second, some power plants concentrate solar heat to create steam that runs generators. While solar energy is considered safer and more environmentally friendly than many other energy sources, there are some hazards associated with this method of electricity production.

Environmental

• Concentrating solar power plants can be hazardous to airborne wildlife.

  Though solar energy does not have the same negative environmental effects as some other energy sources, there are environmental hazards in the manufacturing and use of both solar energy conversion methods. The materials used to make photovoltaic panels can release small amounts of toxic waste during assembly. Power plants using devices that concentrate sunlight may kill birds and insects that fly into the amplified solar rays. Additionally, these power plants use hazardous fluids to convert solar heat into steam, and they require water for cleaning and cooling that may deplete the natural resources of the surrounding area.

Solar Construction

• Solar energy construction adds to the dangers of typical construction work.

  Construction workers confront hazards when they install solar energy devices. In addition to the dangers associated with all construction work, solar energy involves some hazardous materials and heavy objects that may be heated or have an electrical charge. Thus, solar construction hazards include lifting injuries, burns and electric shock.

Firefighters

• Firefighters take special precautions in solar-panel-related incidents.

  Firefighters and other emergency-response teams require special training to work safely around solar-energy technology. The fire-related hazards of photovoltaic conversion for emergency responders are burns, electric shock, inhalation of toxic smoke, battery leakage and explosion and roof-related injuries.