In recent years, the growing concern for renewable energy sources has led to an increasing adoption of solar panels as an alternative to traditional fossil fuel-based power generation. However, as with any emerging technology, questions and misconceptions often arise regarding their safety and potential risks.
Radiation, with its association to harmful effects, is often a topic that raises eyebrows and concerns among the general public. Do solar panels give off radiation? In this article, I will delve into that question as well as some others surrounding the topic.
By examining scientific research and consulting experts in the field, I aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic. We will examine the safety measures employed in the production and use of solar panels to minimize any potential risks.
Do Solar Panels Give Off Radiation?
Solar panels do give off radiation but in very small quantities that are not considered harmful to us. The primary sort of radiation that can come off solar panels is EMF (Electrical and Magnetic Field) Radiation.
The panels by themselves produce some low voltage Direct Current, which does not produce any significant amount of Radiation.
Additionally, solar panels are set up in locations (e.g. rooftops) that are far enough away from humans that the chances of being harmed by radiation from them are minimal. If you are concerned about elevated radiation levels, you may want to pick up an EMF meter...something every solar owner should have.
However, there are sources of radiation within the solar panel system, which extend beyond the panels themselves. Let’s see how.
Table of Contents
Typical Solar Panel System
The main components of a solar energy system are listed below:
- Solar Panels, containing solar cells to absorb photons and produce Direct Current (DC).
- Batteries with Charge Controllers to store power generated but not used simultaneously.
- Inverter to transform the DC power to AC. Sometimes there may be microinverters within the panels, but there is usually a larger inverter through which all AC power gets delivered.
- The Service Box with a breaker panel to safeguard in case of a short.
- A Smart Meter to capture reverse power transmissions back to the grid.
- Load Bearing Appliances – end household units running on 120V AC power (US).
The components above can be lumped into slightly different groups from the standpoint of where excess radiation may be generated from.
Potential Components that can Generate Radiation
The solar energy generating system has a few potential points from which radiation may be generated and/or leaked. They are:
- The Panels themselves
- Wiring
- Inverter(s)
- Smart Meter
While the panels themselves do not emit any significant quantities of EMF Radiation, there are other points – such as the Inverter and the Smart Meter – where radiation levels can be significant enough to be of some concern.
Before any further discussion on specific solar system components that might conceivably pose a risk, let’s consider how much EMF radiation can pose danger to humans.
The Threshold Of Danger
In modern society, we remain surrounded by appliances and technology which expose us to EMF radiation, not to mention more pernicious emissions such as hazardous materials that we may absorb through various bodily functions or through our skin.
In most cases, daily use appliances are designed so that they do not pose significant hazards.
Sure, radiation isn’t really a concern when it comes to solar panels, but if you’re curious about some potential dangers associated with solar panels check out:
What Is EMF Radiation?
EMF stands for Electromagnetic Fields, and EMF radiation refers to the energy waves emitted by various electronic devices and systems. These waves consist of both electric and magnetic fields that oscillate at specific frequencies.
EMF radiation is a form of non-ionizing radiation, meaning it lacks sufficient energy to ionize atoms or molecules.
EMF radiation is present in our everyday lives, generated by a range of sources such as power lines, household appliances, Wi-Fi routers, cell phones, and other wireless devices. It is categorized into two main types:
- Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) Radiation: ELF radiation typically originates from power lines, electrical wiring, and electrical appliances.
- Radiofrequency (RF) Radiation: RF radiation is emitted by wireless communication devices like cell phones, Wi-Fi routers, and Bluetooth devices.
While EMF radiation is a natural consequence of the functioning of these devices, concerns have been raised regarding its potential impact on human health. Extensive research has been conducted to study the effects of EMF radiation, particularly in relation to prolonged exposure and specific frequencies.
The range of EMF Radiation includes X-rays, Gamma rays, Microwaves, and Radio waves.
Potential Danger from EMF Radiation
Potential danger from EMF radiation was triggered by epidemiological studies from 40-50 years back, which showed a slight increase in the likelihood of childhood leukemia when the average exposure to electromagnetic fields set to residential-power frequencies exceeding 0.3 to 0.4 µT (microteslas) or, alternatively, 3.0 to 4.0 mG (milligauss).
As it turns out, this is a high bar. The average exposure for Americans is 0.1 µT (one mG). Approximately 1% of the population is confronted with an average exposure in excess of 0.4 µT (or 4 mG).
Scientific studies have found a correlation between the higher levels of exposure, as defined above, and potential carcinogenic impacts.
The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified extra-low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields as “possibly carcinogenic to humans”.
Not to Worry
Before you get too worried, you should realize that even coffee has the same classification. The bottom line is that there does not exist enough evidence to designate ELF EMF Radiation at levels that would actually cause concern, such as a “probable carcinogen” or a “human carcinogen”.
Overall, there wasn’t much concern about the danger to public health.
The National Academies of Science examined this area of concern in 1997. They concluded that the exposure to ELF-EMF Radiation fields from residential use did not create significant health hazards, or create adverse long-term neurological or biological effects.
A WHO-sponsored task force concluded in 2005 that there were no substantive health issues related to electric field levels (0 to 100,000 Hz) that the general public is normally exposed to.
Do Solar Panels Produce EMF Radiation?
PV systems do generate electromagnetic fields. Electricity produces nonionizing radiation, which has enough energy to generate heat by agitating atoms in a molecule. However, there isn’t enough energy to ionize (remove or free up) electrons from an atom or molecule or to damage DNA.
Solar panels are composed of many modules, which in turn are made up of clusters of solar cells. The most common type of solar cell is photovoltaic (PV), usually constructed using thin, charged strips of crystalline silicon (c-Si) wafers.
Other materials, such as ultra-thin cells, made from materials such as amorphous silicon (a-Si), Cadmium Telluride (CdTe), or Copper Indium Gallium Diselenide (CIGS), are sometimes used in solar cells.
However, for our purposes, it is sufficient to realize that such cells do not differ substantially from PV cells made of c-Si when comparing the level of EMF Radiation.
Electric Field vs. Magnetic Field
The electric field is generated by voltage and the magnetic field by the movement of electrons through various media. Electric and magnetic fields created near a solar array are strongest close to the source of power and fade with distance.
The electric field created by a PV array is not harmful, based on the WHO mandated standards mentioned above.
Besides being of relatively low voltage, they are also easily shielded (blocked) by plastic, metal, earth, and other buttressing material.
The magnetic field is produced by the movement of electrons, that is, the Direct Current produced and transported by wiring to different parts of the system, including the Inverter. This needs to be studied more closely since magnetic forces cannot be blocked easily, in fact, they will readily pass through most shielding material.
The Emission Produced is Low Voltage
Fortunately, both the electric and magnetic fields produced from solar arrays are stationary, that is, 0 Hz, which cause no concern for humans.
Even the largest PV facilities (solar farms) produce weak voltage fields. This can easily be tested by placing a compass against a solar array when you will notice that the needle continues to point north.
Someone standing outside the fenced perimeter of a solar facility, or a homeowner with PV panels on their roof, is not exposed to significant EMF from the solar array. Therefore, there is no negative health impact from the ELF-EMF produced on a solar farm.
Is it Safe to Live Near Solar Farms?
Living near solar farms is generally considered safe. Solar farms are large-scale installations consisting of numerous solar panels that convert sunlight into electricity.
While there are various factors to consider, such as the size and location of the solar farm, scientific research and experience suggest that the risks associated with living near solar farms are minimal.
Here are a few key points to consider:
- Noise: Solar farms operate silently, without producing noise pollution that can affect nearby residents. This makes them favorable in terms of maintaining a peaceful living environment.
- Visual Impact: Solar farms have a visual impact due to their large size and the presence of numerous solar panels. However, opinions regarding their aesthetics vary among individuals. It is important to assess personal preferences and consider the potential visual impact when choosing a location to live.
- Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs): Solar farms generate electromagnetic fields (EMFs) through their operation, primarily from the electrical infrastructure and cabling. However, the EMF levels from solar farms are generally low and well within established safety limits. Research suggests that living near solar farms poses no significant health risks due to EMF exposure.
- Land Use and Environmental Factors: Solar farms typically utilize vast areas of land for their installation. The impact on local ecosystems and habitats may vary depending on the design and location of the solar farm. Proper environmental assessments and management practices are crucial to minimize any potential negative effects on local flora and fauna.
When considering living near a solar farm, it can be beneficial to gather information about the specific project, engage in community discussions, and consult local authorities or experts to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the project’s design, impact assessments, and adherence to safety standards.
Do Solar Inverters Emit Radiation?
Solar inverters do emit some level of radiation through an electromagnetic fields (EMFs) during their operation. However, the amount of radiation emitted is generally considered to be low and within safety limits established by regulatory bodies.
The electromagnetic radiation emitted by solar inverters falls under the category of non-ionizing radiation, which means it does not have sufficient energy to ionize atoms or cause direct damage to DNA or cells.
Non-ionizing radiation includes radio waves, microwaves, and low-frequency EMFs. Solar inverters typically produce low-frequency EMFs, primarily in the frequency range of 50 to 60 hertz.
It’s worth noting that the levels of EMFs emitted by solar inverters are generally much lower than those produced by common household appliances.
Regulatory bodies and safety standards, such as the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), have established guidelines to ensure that the EMF emissions from solar inverters are within safe limits. Manufacturers also adhere to these standards to ensure the safety of their products.
Do Solar Inverters Produce EMF?
A solar inverter takes Direct Current generated from the panels and converts it to 120-volt AC electricity. While this conversion produces non-stationary EMF, the low oscillation (60 Hz) classifies the field as ELF-EMF, which is not considered to be dangerous to humans.
The inverter is either a large unit inside or close to the home, or…in the case of micro-inverters attached to the solar panels themselves…a unit which the smaller units feed into before power is sent back to the grid.
The normal way the inverters are set up, using grounded wires and metal casings, does not leave much room for dangerous EMF radiation levels.
ELF EMF radiation levels present at the perimeter of a solar facility, or near the PV system in a commercial or residential building, are much lower than the average EMF exposure in the US.
Researchers in Massachusetts measured magnetic fields and found the magnetic fields around PV projects dropped to very low levels (equal to or less than 0.5 mG) in general. Often, the levels dropped below background levels (0.2 mG) at distances past nine feet from residential inverters and 150 feet from utility-scale inverters.
Even within a few feet, the levels were well below recommended exposure limits of 2,000 mG. Utility-scale designs are typically close to the panels, so it is rare for large inverters to be within 150 feet of the project’s security fence.
How Solar Inverters Could Produce EMF
While the inverter itself is usually not a source of EMF radiation, there remains a real possibility of harmful radiation being emitted downstream from the units, at locations that would expose resident households most adversely along with the electricity generating system.
The problem arises due to the way inverters operate within standard specifications, which is not always in sync with the various energy-saving devices that are in vogue within the home today.
The Problem With Dirty Electricity
If all our household appliances run on standard, 120-volt, 60 Hz AC in the US, there would not be a problem. The inverter is designed to supply at that level.
The problem arises because many household appliances require different levels of electricity, while there are others that require varying amounts based on their cycle of use. In most cases, these uneven demands occur due to energy-saving systems.
Problems can arise due to the following deviations in electricity use:
- Devices requiring higher voltage AC
- Devices that require 60 Hz AC to be converted down to low voltage DC
- Many devices that draw power intermittently, in short bursts, sometimes switching on and off hundreds of times per second
In situations like those described above, there is a build-up of unused electricity within the electrical system.
Some inverters are better at controlling for this than others, but the fundamental mismatch between what the inverter unit typically supplies and how myriad household devices consume power creates a no-win situation in terms of an inevitable buildup of dirty electricity over time.
Dirty Electricity Build-Up
The dirty electricity build-up emits EMF radiation at harmful levels from time to time. While not always dangerous, and with the levels being subject to the distance at which the inverter unit is placed, this poses a genuine problem when using solar energy at home.
An analogous situation involves our exposure to common household appliances. While they are far below harmful levels at almost all times, there are instances when power or radiation surges could prove dangerous, as scientific studies have determined.
While the average exposure to magnetic fields in the U.S. (estimated to be around one mG or 0.1 µT) is benign, a person’s exposure to EMF from electrical devices and wiring can vary considerably.
For example, the ELF magnetic field is 6 mG within 3 feet of a fridge, and 50 mG when standing three feet from a microwave oven.
Smart Meters
While solar energy can be a primary or secondary source of power in many cases (e.g. off-grid), it is very common in certain communities that a major portion of the solar power generated is supplied back into the electric grid system.
The primary way to keep track of the credits that a homeowner can receive from such supply is through a smart meter which allows for reverse metering so the electricity bills are netted out between power used by the household and the power returned to the grid.
Smart meters, therefore, are systems that track utility usage and transmit data about the usage levels using a wireless system.
In many cases, the power company will install smart meters on your property without you even being aware of it.
A Third Form Of EMF Radiation
Due to the way smart meters operate, they emit a third type of EMF, known as radio frequency (RF) Radiation. It’s not an unknown concept, other examples include cellphones, Wi-Fi Routers, and Cell Routers.
The problem is that while transmitting packets of information (usage data), the smart meters are emitting a type of non-ionizing radiation that many in the scientific community feel can produce negative effects on humans if they are continuously exposed over a long period of time.
Now, if you consider the fact that a smart meter is continuously tracking usage, you can understand that you will be exposed to significant RF Radiation as a result of its activity. To compound the issue, smart meters are often located in central locations within a home, e.g., the outside wall opposite a bedroom.
How can you Protect Yourself from EMF?
To protect yourself from unwanted amounts of EMF Radiation, there are three broad categories of actions that can be taken, customized to the specific (possible) source of harmful radiation. They are:
Educate Yourself About Where the Danger Areas Are
As outlined above, solar panels are unlikely to be a major problem, as long as everything is set up properly and you do not go too close to the source of electric generation. However, periodic checks to ensure everything is working properly (e.g. no faulty wiring) is still warranted.
Focusing on Dirty Electricity inside the home and RF Radiation from Smart Meters could be good areas to focus on.
Buy Tracking Devices to Check if Radiation Levels Are Dangerously High
Every homeowner, especially if they are using solar energy, should buy an EMF Meter. There are several available on the market, and they can be used to track radiation coming from anywhere, from solar panels to smart meters to your Wi-Fi Tower or Microwave.
Dirty electricity poses a bit more challenge. While EMF radiation can be detected, an EMF Meter will not tell you how much dirty electricity is trapped in your system. For this, you will need to buy a Dirty Electricity Meter (Greenwave and Graham Stetzer are two companies that make good meters for this purpose).
Try To Fix The Problem
If your EMF Meter points out that you do have a problem with radiation, you should be able to isolate whether it’s coming from dirty electricity build-up in the electric wiring, the smart meter, or some other source. Based on your findings, you can take certain actions. For example:
- Buy specific cloaking or shielding devices to contain radiation. For Smart Meters, there are a number of solutions, including Smart Meter Shields, EMF Protection Paint, and EMF Blocking Frame Liners. For Dirty Electricity protection, the same companies that provide effective meters also manufacture Filter Kits that can help.
- Try to opt-out of smart metering if you perceive that there is a major problem. Unfortunately, not all states or power companies may allow this, in which case, the alternative is to have the smart meter at a location away from areas that you frequent.
- Similarly, try to place the inverter unit(s) at locations away from spots that you frequent.
What if You Can’t Opt out Of Smart Metering?
If you find yourself in a situation where opting out of smart metering is not an available choice, it is important to explore alternative strategies to mitigate potential concerns.
While smart meters offer numerous benefits, including improved energy management and efficiency, some individuals have reservations regarding the potential health effects associated with their constant wireless communication.
If opting out is not an option, consider the following measures to address your concerns:
- Distance and Shielding: If the smart meter is located within your home, try to increase the distance between it and areas where you spend most of your time. Consider using shielding materials, such as EMF-blocking fabrics or films, to reduce exposure to electromagnetic fields.
- Time Spent Near the Smart Meter: Minimize your time spent near the smart meter by locating activities or living spaces away from it. Spending prolonged periods in close proximity to the smart meter can increase exposure, so creating distance is crucial.
- EMF-Reducing Devices: Explore the market for devices designed to reduce electromagnetic field exposure. These devices, such as EMF filters or neutralizers, claim to mitigate the effects of EMF radiation. Research and select products from reputable sources.
- Education and Awareness: Stay informed about the latest research on smart meters and EMF radiation. Understanding the potential risks and adopting precautionary measures can empower you to make informed decisions about your health and well-being.
- Overall EMF Reduction: While smart meters contribute to EMF exposure, they are not the only source. Evaluate and minimize exposure from other electronic devices in your environment. Limiting overall EMF exposure can help mitigate potential health concerns.
Final Thoughts
Solar panels do not emit radiation by themselves, in most cases. However, certain downstream system components can create problems due to dirty electricity buildup and/or RF Radiation from Smart Meters.
The first step for a homeowner is to be aware of the problem and buy tracking meters to gauge the extent of it. The next steps would involve strategic and safe placements of Inverters and Smart Meters and installing protective gear.
One way or the other, you should be able to arrive at a reasonable solution. Solar energy is great for many reasons. Enjoy it safely, while ensuring you do not invite any other problems due to EMF Radiation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Solar Panels Emit Radiation that Is Harmful to Humans?
Solar panels emit non-ionizing radiation, primarily in the form of electromagnetic fields (EMFs). The levels of radiation emitted by solar panels are generally considered to be safe and not harmful to humans.
What Types of Radiation Are Associated with Solar Panels?
Solar panels primarily emit non-ionizing radiation, which includes forms such as visible light, ultraviolet (UV) light, and infrared (IR) radiation. These forms of radiation are generally considered to be safe for human exposure.
Are the Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs) Produced by Solar Panels Dangerous?
The electromagnetic fields (EMFs) produced by solar panels are generally not considered dangerous. The levels of EMFs emitted by solar panels are typically low and within safety limits established by regulatory standards.
Are There Any Safety Standards in Place to Regulate Solar Panel Radiation?
Regulatory bodies, such as the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), have established guidelines and limits for the acceptable levels of electromagnetic radiation emitted by solar panels.
How Close Can One Safely Be to Solar Panels without Experiencing Adverse Effects?
There are no specific regulations regarding the distance one should maintain from solar panels, as the levels of radiation emitted are generally low and considered safe. However, it is always advisable to follow general safety precautions and maintain a safe distance when working with or around solar panels.
Difference Between Ionizing Radiation and Non-Ionizing Radiation
Ionizing radiation has sufficient energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, posing a risk to human health. Examples include X-rays and gamma rays. Non-ionizing radiation, associated with solar panels, lacks this level of energy and includes forms such as visible light, UV light, and low-frequency EMFs. Solar panels primarily emit non-ionizing radiation.
Are There Any Specific Risks with Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (EHS) when It Comes to Solar Panel Radiation?
Individuals with electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) may have heightened sensitivity to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from various sources, including solar panels. While scientific research has not confirmed the existence of EHS as a medical diagnosis, those with concerns may choose to consult with experts or take precautionary measures, such as maintaining a safe distance or using shielding materials, to address their specific needs.