Is it Safe For Your Health to Have Solar Panels on Your Roof?

With solar power becoming increasingly popular, a question some homeowners ask is whether solar energy production is safe. Many misconceptions exist around solar energy, including that solar panels produce harmful radiation, pose a chemical exposure risk, and can be a cause of fires. These misconceptions create unnecessary anxiety for homeowners wanting to switch to a clean, renewable energy source. 

If you’re questioning the safety of solar power, we are here to reassure you that it is completely safe to have solar panels on your roof and there is no research or studies that indicate otherwise. In reality, solar panels work just like any other electric device in your home and offer far more in terms of long-term health benefits. 

In this article, we’ll answer some common questions and concerns people have regarding the safety of solar panels, including whether solar panels emit radiation, are made from toxic materials, or are harmful to the environment. 

Key takeaways: 

• Solar panels release extremely low levels of electromagnetic radiation that are comparable to other household appliances, including fridges and microwaves. 
• Any potentially harmful materials in solar panels, such as lead and cadmium, are encapsulated in protective layers to prevent exposure. 
• Decades of research have shown no connection between solar panels and cancer. 
• Solar panels do not contribute to the heat island effect – in fact, they actually help keep roofs cool. 
• When correctly installed and maintained by a reputable solar company, solar panels pose no risk of fires. 
• The health benefits of switching to solar energy, such as improved air quality, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and water conservation, far outweigh any environmental impacts. 

Are solar panels made from toxic materials?

Solar panels are manufactured using fairly common materials such as silicon (the main component of photovoltaic cells), aluminum (for frames), and small amounts of metals like cadmium and lead. These materials are encased in protective layers to reduce the risk of exposure under normal conditions. 

If the panels are damaged, however, then these protective layers can be compromised and materials like lead or cadmium could potentially be exposed. The risk of this happening is very low, especially if your solar panels are properly installed, maintained, and disposed of by a reputable solar installer. 

If you’re concerned about toxic materials in solar panels, rest assured. Just like other electronic devices, like phones or computers, these materials only pose a risk if they’re improperly sourced, handled, or disposed of. 

Read More: Polycrystalline Solar Cells vs Monocrystalline: Which is Better?

Do solar panels create  electromagnetic radiation?

One of the biggest concerns people have about solar panels is whether they emit harmful electromagnetic fields (EMFs) or radiation. Electromagnetic radiation consists of electric and magnetic fields (EMF) traveling in waves from both natural and human-made sources. Common examples of electromagnetic radiation include microwaves, radio waves, and visible light. 

While solar panels do produce low levels of EMFs while generating electricity, so do other electrical devices. In fact, you could compare the levels of EMF emitted by solar panels to those from other household appliances like fridges, TVs, and microwaves. We understand that terms like ‘radiation’ might sound scary to some people, but the World Health Organization (WHO) has extensively studied exposure to low-level EMF and found no conclusive evidence of harm to human health. 

Even the small amounts of EMF radiation generated by your solar panels are emitted away from your home, further reducing any potential impact. And unlike cell phones, which produce low levels of non-ionizing radiation, you don’t carry solar panels by your side throughout the day, and never hold them up to the side of your head for a conversation.

So while it’s true that solar panels emit low levels of EMF radiation, this is considered safe and harmless and shouldn’t stop you from going solar. 

See: What Happens if You Have Solar and the Power Goes Out?

Do solar panels increase the heat island effect?

Solar panels absorb sunlight, which leaves many people wondering whether they increase roof temperatures and contribute to the urban heat island (UHI) effect. The UHI effect happens when buildings, roads, and other infrastructure trap heat within a city and increase temperatures compared to rural areas. Contrary to popular belief, however, solar panels do not contribute to this effect and have actually been shown to cool roof temperatures. 

Research from the University of California, San Diego found that solar panels can lower a roof’s surface temperature by 38%. This happens because solar panels absorb sunlight that would have otherwise hit the roof, reducing the amount of heat that transfers through the roof and into a building. On top of that, the gap between solar panels and a roof allows for additional airflow that can help cool both roofs and the panels themselves. In this way you can think of solar panels as a giant shaded parasol for your home. 

Do solar panels cause cancer?

No, solar panels do not cause cancer. This topic has been researched extensively for decades and no association has been found between solar energy systems and cancer. 

One of the largest studies on the matter comes from the National Institute of Health, which found no connection between solar energy and mortality for brain/nervous system cancer, breast cancer, cancer of the cervix uteri, colon/rectum cancer, gallbladder cancer kidney/renal pelvis cancer, cancer of the larynx, melanoma of the skin, myeloma, oral cavity and pharynx, cancer of the pancreas, prostate cancer, stomach cancer, or thyroid cancers. Other global public health organizations have conducted similar studies and confirm these findings.

Most concerns about solar panels and cancer risks stem from misinformation about EMFs. While long-term exposure to high levels of EMFs, such as those coming from high-voltage power lines, has been studied, there is no concrete evidence that directly links these exposures to cancer. As discussed earlier, solar panels emit safe, non-ionizing EMFs at levels that are too weak to harm human health. The amount of EMFs produced by a single solar energy system is comparable to those coming from common household appliances like Wi-Fi routers or radios and not at all similar to high-voltage power lines.

Are solar panels dangerous on roofs?

No, solar panels are not dangerous for your roof. Firstly, all reputable solar installers will include a roof assessment to check your roof’s structural integrity before installing solar panels. This provides the opportunity to identify and correct any potential roof issues before solar panels are installed. 

Secondly, many homeowners wonder whether water can leak through the holes in the roof created for solar mounting brackets. The answer is no, solar panels don’t cause water leaks. Solar mounting brackets are specifically designed for different roof types and properly sealed to prevent leaks. When properly installed by a reputable company, there is virtually no  chance of water seeping in unless other conditions have damaged the penetration area post installation. 

Thirdly, solar panels can actually help protect your roof by shielding it from direct sunlight, rain, and hail. 

See More: Replacing Your Roof? It's a Great Time to Add Solar

Are solar panels safe during severe weather?

Yes, solar panels are specifically designed to withstand severe weather conditions, including UV radiation, extreme heat, high winds, hailstorms, and heavy snow. Each panel is coated with a layer of tempered glass and most monocrystalline panels are also completely encapsulated in a durable steel or aluminum frame for added protection against environmental factors. Modern panels, especially, are engineered to meet strict safety standards and, when installed properly, will remain intact even during severe weather events. 

With all that said, installation quality matters. Panels that have been mounted with sub-standard techniques or low-quality mounting systems are absolutely prone to severe weather conditions. The same can be said for panels that are mounted to roofs that were already compromised in some way prior to installation. A thorough roof inspection is always essential prior to solar panel installation. 

Do solar panels cause fires?

No, solar panels do not inherently pose a fire risk. When installed according to industry standards and safety protocols, solar panels are safe and will not cause fires. That said, improper installation or use of low-quality materials and components can increase the risk of electrical malfunctions, which could potentially lead to fires. It’s the same with any other incorrectly installed and operated electrical system. 

This is why it’s so important to hire experienced, reputable, and properly certified solar installers. When installed correctly, solar panels should pose no fire risk to your home. In the extremely rare occasion that a solar-related fire occurs, all systems are built with safety features including rapid shutdown. This quickly de-energizes solar panels so first responders can act quickly. 

Reputable solar installers will also design your solar system with fire access pathways and safety in mind. This is why it’s important to choose an experienced solar company that’s properly certified and has a reputation for quality installations.

Read More: How to Choose the Best Solar Installer for Your Home

Are solar panels safe for the environment?

Yes, solar panels are safe for the environment. Solar panels are mostly made from silicon and glass, which are non-toxic and abundant in the earth’s crust. The only environmental risk that comes from solar panels is if they’re improperly disposed of at the end of their lifespan. 

Many people feel concerned about how safe solar panels are for the environment, and understandably so. There are lots of conflicting narratives about the environmental impact of solar panels, often driven by misinformation or opposing  interests. Comparatively, however, you can look at the environmental impact of fossil fuel mining, refining, and accidents (like oil spills and broken pipelines). 

It’s difficult to purchase anything these days that doesn’t have an environmental impact, however our belief is that solar panels are the less harmful choice and don’t negatively impact the environment unless improperly disposed of. 

Do solar panels create waste at the end of their lifespan?

Solar panels are recyclable and the technology used to recycle them is continuously improving. When solar panels are recycled, the valuable materials they’re made of – including silicon, aluminum, and glass – can be recovered and reused to minimize waste and reduce their environmental impact. Potentially harmful materials, such as lead, are safely removed and managed. For that reason, recycling solar panels is the best environmental solution for handling older solar panels as it helps keep them sustainable even after their lifecycle is over. 

Are solar panels safe to touch?

Yes, solar panels are safe to touch. Solar panels are designed with safety of both humans and animals in mind. They are low-voltage systems encased in special insulation which prevents electrical hazards. When properly installed, solar panels are grounded to prevent any risk of electrocution, just like any other electrical device in your home. 

However, solar panels are only safe to touch when they are undamaged and properly maintained. If you notice any damage or issues with your system, it’s best to avoid touching your panels and contact a solar professional for an inspection and repairs. 

Solar panel’s positive effects

With all these concerns about solar panel risks and misconceptions, let’s take some time to acknowledge the positive effects of solar technology and human and environmental health. 

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, switching to solar energy can benefit human health in the following ways. 

Improve air quality

Fossil fuels emit harmful particulate matter (PM) when burned. This pollutes the air in communities near power plants and contributes to respiratory issues like asthma and bronchitis. Solar power, on the other hand, produces no emissions during operation. 

By replacing fossil fuel production with solar power, we can improve air quality significantly and reduce any health risks associated with PM emissions.

Conserve more water

Unlike coal and natural gas power plants, which require lots of water for cooling, residential solar systems use no water once they’re installed. While utility-scale solar farms do use water, it’s still a lot less compared to most other electricity resources. 

Water conservation is extremely important for human health and our future on this planet, particularly for those of us living in drought-prone regions like Arizona. As more people switch to solar and rely less on other sources of energy, we can make a significant impact in terms of saving water.

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Solar panels play a major role in combatting climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and its associated risks such as heatwaves and extreme weather events. Transitioning to solar power is a small step each of us can take to slow climate change and protect the future of our planet. 

Summary: Are solar panels safe?

We want to make it extremely clear that the solar safety-related information presented in this article relies on three essential factors:

• Using high-quality solar panels and components from trusted, well-known brands
• Correct installation and quality workmanship from a reputable installer with the necessary certifications 
• Proper use and management of the solar system as per the advice given from your solar installer. 

The importance of these three factors cannot be understated when it comes to solar panel safety. If you have any questions or concerns at all and want to speak to one of our solar professionals, don’t hesitate to contact our team for more information and guidance. If you’re ready to start exploring solar, click here for a free, no-obligation quote.