What is solar’s impact on water?

The impact of solar energy has not yet been studied in depth but scientists are beginning to track how solar power generation affects the water supply. As the world becomes increasingly polluted, solar energy has understandably been greeted as truly sustainable, clean, and increasingly efficient and cost-effective. One area in which this form of power impacts on the environment is in terms of water.
 
Solar panel production and the impact on water
 
The production of solar panels is no different from any other production process: water plays a role in manufacturing certain components such as the production of photovoltaic units. However, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists, while solar uses less water, the chemicals used in the manufacturing process are toxic. There is the risk of some kind of spill which could result in these chemicals leaching into the soil and contaminating groundwater. In fairness to the solar industry, that is a risk that is not unique to solar panel manufacturers.
 
The effect of domestic or small-scale solar power usage
 
Photovoltaic solar power such as the panels installed on the roof of a home use no water in order to generate electricity. The only water that is used is if the panels need to be washed so that their efficiency is improved. 
 
Possible methods to reduce the impact on water resources of solar plants
 
Generally speaking, there are two options when it comes to reducing the impact solar has on water: improve or modify existing technologies or develop new ones. In terms of solar power plants, there are new developments in both areas. For the large plants, there is a growing trend towards more efficient water cooling systems and technology. In addition, research and development are underway in terms of dry cooling and also wet-recirculating systems and cooling towers.

The unknown factor is the impact of the disposal of damaged or decommissioned panels
 
There is general agreement that many photovoltaic cells, especially thin-film cells, contain numerous hazardous chemicals. While the cell is healthy and in use it poses no risk at all. However, solar power is still relatively new and the cells and panels that were made and sold in the 1970’s are still in use. What will happen when cells are damaged and old? How will they be recycled or disposed of?  In order to prevent these chemicals from getting into the water, soil, and air, we need to develop with suitable and safe disposal mechanisms. There is, fortunately, an added incentive for producers to look into this, though: several of the materials in cells are rare or valuable so they need to be recovered. This should encourage the investigation of recycling and safe disposal.
 

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