PFAS in Solar Panels: Can It Lead to Health Risks?

If you’ve been keeping up with environmental discussions, you’ve probably heard about PFAS or per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances. These man-made chemicals are found in a wide range of products, from nonstick cookware to firefighting foam. 

But what about solar panels? With the push for clean energy, solar power is often praised as a green alternative to fossil fuels. Yet, some concerns have been raised about the presence of PFAS in solar panels and whether they pose any health risks.

What Exactly is PFAS Used for? 

Back in 2023, experts found that almost 50 percent of the US tap water is contaminated with PFAS. This PFAS presence in tap water is expected to drive up cancer rates in the country, a study finds. But what exactly is this PFAS and why is it so harmful?

PFAS are used in solar panels because of their ability to resist heat, water, and chemical reactions. These properties make them valuable in the protective coatings and wiring insulation of solar panels. 

However, the very nature of PFAS – difficult to break down – has led to concerns about their impact on the environment and human health. The big question is whether the PFAS in solar panels could pose a danger.

How are PFAS Chemicals Used in Solar Panels?

To understand the potential risks, it’s important to look at how PFAS functions in solar panel manufacturing. These chemicals contribute to the durability of solar cells, allowing them to withstand extreme weather conditions. They are commonly found in the backsheet – the layer that protects the delicate components from moisture and UV radiation. 

In solar panels, PFAS helps prevent degradation. The chemical improves the panel’s resistance to water and UV light. Hence, the presence of PFAS helps extend the life of a solar panel, which is crucial for maintaining efficiency over time.

However, the problem arises when solar panels reach the end of their lifespan. Many of the components, including the PFAS-containing backsheets, are not easily recyclable. If old panels are disposed of improperly, there is a possibility that PFAS could contaminate nearby soil and water sources. 

Are PFAS from Solar Panels a Health Concern?

PFAS have been linked to various health issues, including various types of cancers. The concern with solar panels is whether these chemicals can escape into the environment in ways that could directly impact human health. 

The good news is that under normal operating conditions, the PFAS in solar panels are bound within the materials. Thus, PFAS found in solar panels are unlikely to pose an immediate risk.

The potential danger comes from improper disposal or damage to the panels. If a panel breaks, the risk of PFAS exposure increases, especially if particles make their way into groundwater supplies. 

Know that PFAS exposure has led to businesses having to deal with lawsuits. The AFFF PFAS lawsuit is the most widely known legal case related to PFAS exposure. According to TruLaw, the AFFF lawsuit claims that the manufacturers knowingly used PFAS when producing the AFFF firefighting foam. Victims are now filing these lawsuits to seek compensation for their losses due to the foam and its use. 

Lawsuits against businesses and manufacturers are very common now. Apart from the AFFF lawsuit, the Suboxone lawsuit is another legal affair that has gained a lot of attention recently. Used in opioid addiction treatment, Suboxone is a very popular drug. However, it’s been alleged that Suboxone usage can lead to tooth decay. 

Thus, the Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits were filed. What we’re trying to point at here is that manufacturers can’t get away these days by handing faulty or dangerous products to their customers. Victims will lawyer up as necessary to deal with such practices accordingly. 

The Environmental Impact of PFAS in Solar Panels

Beyond human health, the environmental impact of PFAS contamination is another pressing issue. These chemicals do not break down easily, which means they can accumulate in water sources, wildlife, and even the food chain. 

In areas where PFAS contamination has been detected, it has taken years and significant financial investment to clean up the affected regions. For solar panels, this raises the question of whether their environmental benefits outweigh the potential risks. 

Solar energy itself reduces reliance on fossil fuels and helps lower greenhouse gas emissions. However, if the industry does not address the PFAS issue, it could create unintended consequences. 

Some manufacturers are exploring PFAS-free alternatives to make solar panels safer, but these alternatives are not yet widely adopted.

The Future of Solar Panel Manufacturing and PFAS

Experts suggest that the way PFAS is currently being used or expelled into the environment, we may see around 7000 cancer cases each year. Hence, there’s currently a growing awareness surrounding the PFAS-related risks. You now have regulatory agencies and environmental groups pushing for stricter guidelines on PFAS use. 

Some regions have already begun implementing limits on PFAS in consumer products, and the solar industry may face similar regulations in the future. The challenge is finding equally effective substitutes that do not compromise the durability of solar panels.

Recycling and proper disposal methods are also being explored to minimize the release of PFAS into the environment. Some companies are working on take-back programs where used panels are collected and processed in facilities designed to handle hazardous materials. Others are investing in research to develop safer materials that can perform the same functions without relying on PFAS.

PFAS in solar panels presents a complex issue. While they contribute to the efficiency and longevity of solar technology, their persistence in the environment raises valid concerns.

The good news is that under normal conditions, the risk of exposure is minimal. However, improper disposal and long-term accumulation of PFAS in landfills could create significant health and environmental problems in the future.

As the solar industry continues to grow, it must find solutions to reduce reliance on harmful chemicals. After all, the transition to clean energy should not come at the expense of long-term environmental and health risks.