Solar panels have become an icon in the defense of the environment, since it is better to generate electricity through photovoltaic energy than by burning fossil fuels. However, although they are the best option, solar panels are not without pollution. In fact, the manufacture of solar panels leaves a trace of chemical contamination. In addition, the time it takes to offset the energy used and greenhouse gases emitted in production vary greatly depending on the technology used and geography.
However, the solar energy industry could easily modify many of the harmful side effects that exist. Thus, the pressure to eliminate these effects is growing notably, since more than a decade the manufacture of photovoltaic energy has moved from Europe, the United States and Japan to countries such as the Philippines, China or Malaysia. However, currently more than half of the world’s photovoltaic energy is manufactured in China.
Main problems of the panels
To understand what panel issues are and how they can be addressed, it is imperative to know how they are manufactured. Thus, although solar energy can be manufactured using various technologies, the vast majority of solar cells use quartz, the most common form of silica. Here is the first problem, since quartz is extracted from mines. This puts miners in danger as they could suffer from silicosis, a lung disease.
Subsequently, refining turns the quartz into metallurgical grade silicon , a substance especially used to harden steel. This is done in giant furnaces and requires a lot of energy, although the carbon dioxide and sulfur emissions do not cause much damage to the people who work in the refineries or to the environment.
However, in the next step, converting silicon to polysilicon creates a very toxic compound called silicon tetrachloride. Currently, between three and four tons of silicon tetrachloride are created for every ton of polysilicon, which has a great environmental impact.
The vast majority of manufacturers recycle this waste to produce more polysilicon, as this saves them money. However, some companies dispose of this excess product. If it comes into contact with water, silicon tetrachloride releases hydrochloric acid, causing acidification of the soil and emitting noxious fumes.
Likewise, water is also a major problem. Photovoltaic energy companies use it for many purposes such as cooling or controlling air pollution. However, the greatest waste of water occurs during installation and use.
How can we help
Although it is difficult to change the decisions of manufacturers, consumers can pressure companies to improve their environmental records. Therefore, if you are thinking of installing solar panels, you should ask the installers about the companies that manufacture the products they use. This, at the same time, will induce installers to ask the manufacturers themselves for more information.
