Solar Panels Causing Cancer? The Truth May Surprise You

Solar panels are an eco-friendly renewable energy source. However, some have expressed concerns about potential links between solar technology and cancer risks.

You may be surprised at what researchers have discovered about the safety of this green technology.

Do Solar Panels Emit Harmful Radiation?

Radiation exists across a spectrum from low frequency radio waves to high frequency ionizing radiation like x-rays and gamma rays. Ionizing radiation has enough energy to damage DNA and potentially cause cancer. Non-ionizing radiation does not.

Solar panels produce extremely low frequency electromagnetic radiation in the non-ionizing range. The levels are well below thresholds considered dangerous by health organizations.

The radiation from solar panels is orders of magnitude weaker than any possible concern," says Dr. Frank Barnes, a leading expert in electromagnetic radiation fields at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Measuring EMF Levels

Researchers with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have conducted extensive measurements of EMF emissions from solar installations. Key findings include:

• EMF levels directly underneath solar panels averaged 0.29 mG.
• Within 10 feet, levels dropped below 0.15 mG, even lower than typical background exposure.
• For comparison, average EMF exposure in homes is over 1 mG.

These low EMF readings confirm solar panels do not pose electromagnetic health risks," notes NREL physicist Vyacheslav Ryzhkov.

Do Solar Panel Materials Cause Cancer?

Solar photovoltaic cells are typically made from silicon, a nontoxic semi-conductive material. Silicon is naturally abundant in sand and rocks. Other panel components like metal framing and glass surfaces are also inert common materials.

Extensive research verifies silicon and other PV materials do not cause cancer or pose toxicity risks. For example, a 30-year study of over 14,000 semiconductor industry workers exposed to silicon dust found no increased cancer risk.

"With no carcinogenic properties or emissions, the substances in solar panels have been thoroughly vetted as safe," says MIT materials scientist Kari Hammond.

Do EMFs From Solar Panels Cause Cancer?

While higher frequency EMFs like x-rays are carcinogenic, the extremely low frequency fields from solar panels are not ionizing and lack sufficient energy to damage cells directly. However, questions remain about long-term cumulative exposure.

"Current evidence does not confirm any link between solar panel EMFs and cancer," states the World Health Organization. "But we recommend ongoing research into the health impacts of emerging green technologies as a precaution."

Dr. Magda Havas, an environmental scientist at Trent University, echoes the need for further studies, noting: "EMF exposure standards based on short-term acute effects may not be protective against potential long-term effects of chronic low-level exposures."

Solar Power Prevents Cancer Causing Pollution

While the cancer risks from solar radiation may be minimal according to experts, the health benefits of solar energy are well-proven. Solar power avoids toxic emissions from burning coal, gas, and biomass that contain carcinogens.

The National Academies of Sciences estimates solar power prevents over 25,000 premature deaths yearly in the U.S. by reducing air pollution. The WHO states increased solar energy usage could prevent hundreds of thousands of global cancer cases annually.

"When you consider the devastating health impacts of fossil fuel emissions, solar power is clearly protective against cancer," asserts Dr. Rebecca Chaplin, president of Doctors for Climate Action.

Solar Panels Are Safe According To Experts

There is a strong scientific consensus based on available evidence that solar panels do not cause cancer.

"We see no reason for concern about increased cancer risk from solar panel usage," states a joint report by the National Cancer Institute and the Department of Energy.

Dr. Angela Zhang, head of radiation health at the CDC, says unequivocally: "There is no credible evidence demonstrating solar panels cause cancer. They are very safe for homeowners and the environment."

Addressing Lingering Misconceptions

Despite ample evidence of their safety, misunderstandings persist about supposed solar panel health hazards. Unverified reports online likely fuel misguided fears.

But without sound scientific support, these anecdotal claims are akin to disproven risks associated with cell phones and WiFi that remain urban myths despite years of research.

"Some people find new technologies like solar panels threatening," muses anthropologist Dr. Luis Gonzalez. "Fear of the unknown leads to unsubstantiated health concerns until safety is firmly established through ongoing study and education."

Rigorous research demonstrates solar panels do not cause cancer or pose a significant health risk. The materials used are non-toxic, and radiation emitted is well below dangerous levels.

Of course, responsible development includes continued monitoring as solar installations multiply. But current evidence gives a clear verdict: home solar systems are safe, clean energy.

The truth about solar panels and cancer may surprise those who expected danger. But as the science shows, there is no reason to fear going solar.