According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the global capacity based on renewable energy sources (RES) will increase by 50% by 2024. This growth of 1200 gigawatts is driven by active global decarbonization and decreasing costs of producing “green” electricity. Solar photovoltaics (PV) are expected to account for 60% of this growth. Despite the rapid progress in the solar RES sector, certain myths about the drawbacks and dangers of solar power plants (SPPs) persist among Ukrainians, indirectly slowing the transition to “clean” energy in the country. Dmitry Furdyga, Executive Director of Voltage Group, shared the most common myths and their counterarguments.
Here are the top 5 myths about private “home” and industrial solar power plants.

Myth 1: Solar panels contain harmful substances that negatively affect the health of local residents where SPPs operate.

Like any electronic product, certain types of solar panels (depending on the manufacturer) contain small amounts of toxic chemicals such as lead and cadmium. These substances can only pose a “problem” on a global scale—at the beginning of a solar panel’s life (during its manufacture) and at the end of its life when it is disposed of. These are the two contexts in which toxic chemicals can enter the environment if the manufacturer and disposer do not follow environmental safety standards at their locations. However, SPPs are sites where already manufactured solar panels are installed, which will only be disposed of after 25 years at specially designated locations outside the area where the facility is located. Therefore, they pose no threat to the local community.

Myth 2: Solar panels are difficult to install and maintain.

Contrary to popular belief, solar panels require minimal maintenance. Since solar panels have no moving parts and are highly reliable, most surpass their 25-year warranty period and continue to operate. Installing SPPs does not harm the soil or its surface. Maintenance of solar panels involves simple and harmless actions, such as cleaning the panels with water. As experience shows, some owners do not even bother with regular cleaning and rely on rain to solve the problem.

Myth 3: SPPs emit radiation.

There is nothing in solar panels that can be a source of penetrating radiation (X-rays, Alpha, Beta, or Gamma particles). Even a mobile phone is more harmful (though it doesn’t emit hard radiation, it has harmful radiofrequency).
Another proof is the complete absence of any harmful environmental impact in the environmental impact assessment (EIA) section of the project documentation. If that’s not convincing enough, using a dosimeter can visually confirm the absence of any hard radiation from the photovoltaic modules.

Myth 4: SPPs attract lightning.

Any conductor (e.g., trees, power lines, metal structures) can be struck by lightning. To prevent this, both industrial and private solar sites are equipped with lightning protection systems, which are mandatory for SPPs. One section of the project documentation is specifically titled “lightning protection.” Without it, a solar facility cannot be put into operation. This involves the installation of lightning rods, down conductors, and grounding systems, which prevent damage to SPPs from potential lightning strikes.

Myth 5: Solar panels don’t work in cold, snowy weather.

Winter doesn’t hinder the operation of solar panels as much as people think. Solar panels need to be cleaned to remove accumulated snow, debris, or dust. They are designed to withstand harsh weather, including hail and sleet. Additionally, most panels are tilted at an angle, allowing snow to slide off naturally.
Surprisingly, solar panels work more efficiently in the cold, as lower temperatures increase their efficiency by reducing the heating of the solar panel. Therefore, cold weather is actually very favorable for solar energy systems.

Conclusion

Summarizing the arguments for using solar technologies, it should be noted that the costs of producing solar energy are projected to decrease by another 15-35% by 2024 (according to the IEA). This will make solar energy technologies even more attractive for global implementation. Clearly, the resulting increase in investments in solar energy will enhance its economic efficiency and gradually eliminate existing “phobias” thanks to the proven reliability and safety of solar power plants in general.

November 11, 2019