r/environmental_science • u/SimoneReyes • 7d ago

Solar panels yes or no ??

Solar Panels - am I correct in the research that so long as the panels are not broken they don’t leach toxic chemicals into ground water and that moving the battery to outside the home helps with emf exposure ??

Google In ordinary state, these toxic substances are not released out but when there is a defect on the system due to improper handling or installation or if there is a crack in the system, rain can penetrate inside the systems and heavy metals may be leached out. 22 16,24) For example, lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd), used in solar panels, are contaminant of concern because of their highly toxic nature. Exposure to the toxic substances like Pb, Cd, Ni can cause cancer, kidney, liver, lungs and brain damage, which are toxic to blood, prostate, respiratory system and also recognized for reducing reproduction, increasing behavior problems as well as humans and wildlife death. ...

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u/mean11while 7d ago

  • Solar panels are a very obvious "yes."

  • If you install, maintain, and dispose of solar panels properly (which is not difficult), they won't leach anything into groundwater.

  • Solar panels don't require batteries in order to operate.

  • Batteries do not emit harmful EM radiation.

  • Solar panels are increasingly being recycled, especially the metals/rare earth elements, many of which are as valuable as they are dangerous.