Solar Energy’s Impact on Our Water Supply

Solar energy is still a relatively new industry. Even though solar panels have been around since the 1800’s, the mainstream and widespread usage of solar energy is still brand new to a majority of its modern consumers and manufacturers. Because of this, many people are still wondering what its effects are on different aspects of the environment. We are told over and over how environmentally friendly solar is, but some people still have their doubts, particularly in things like our water supply. This is because our water is often directly impacted by the manufacturing process of our fuel much more than the actual use of said fuel. This is why many people wonder if the impact of solar on our water is perhaps too much of a disadvantage for them to feel comfortable with going solar. Keep reading to learn exactly what solar’s impact on our water supply is.

Water in the production of solar panels.

The manufacturing of solar panels is no different from any other production process: water plays a role in producing certain components such as the production of photovoltaic units. Solar does, in fact, use less water than other energy productions, but the water it does use is still toxic, which leads to the risk of some kind of spill. If that were to occur, it would cause these chemicals to leech into the soil and contaminate groundwater. In fairness to the solar industry, that is a hazard that is not unique to solar panel manufacturers, and will be found in any energy production.

When installed on a roof, the only water used for solar is the water to clean the panels.

Photovoltaic solar power such as the panels installed on the roof of a home use no water in order to generate energy. The only water that is used is if the panels need to be washed so that their efficiency is optimal. There are a couple of methods to reduce the impact on water resources of solar plants In general, there are two options when it comes to reducing the impact solar has on water: improve or modify existing technologies or develop new ideas. In terms of solar power plants, there is progress in both areas. For the large plants, there is a growing tendency to utilize more efficient water cooling systems and technology. In addition, research and development are being developed in terms of dry cooling and also wet-recirculating systems and cooling towers.

The fear of disposing of a massive amount of solar panels in the future.

There is general agreement that some photovoltaic cells, especially thin-film cells, contain some hazardous chemicals. Though cells that are healthy don’t pose a risk to the environemnt, 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 deemed to be antiquated? How will they be recycled or disposed of? In order to stop these chemicals from getting into the water, soil, and air, we need to develop suitable and safe disposal mechanisms. There is, fortunately, an added incentive for producers to research this: 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 of solar materials.

The clear choice for alternative energy aficionados is solar energy since the price has come down to the point where many home and business owners can no longer afford to ignore the great investment solar energy has become. For some, knowing that they are generating power themselves, free of the fluctuations of the fossil fuel-based electrical grid is reason enough to jump into solar with both feet.

Want to learn more about the impacts of solar energy on our modern world? Check out the HahaSmart blog!

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