Over the past few years, renewable energy sources have seen an increase in popularity. In fact, according to a study, renewable energy accounts for almost 20% of all energy generation in the United States. From wind to solar energy, renewable sources are everywhere. And thanks to the widespread availability of solar systems, more and more people are looking to switch to solar energy. However, if you are one of the people that are considering going solar, you might be wondering — are solar panels safe for homes?
What is Solar Energy?
Solar energy is a form of energy that harnesses the sun’s power and transforms it into electricity or heat. The process uses a system made up of multiple solar panels connected together. And while there are a variety of solar panels available, they are usually pretty similar in terms of durability and effectiveness.
Generally speaking, solar energy is the cleanest and most widespread form of energy source available. That’s one of the many benefits that push households and businesses toward adopting solar energy solutions. To put things in perspective, the United States solar energy grid can power up to 18 million homes.
What are Solar Panels?
Solar panels use photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight into electricity in order to power electrical loads. They work by absorbing the photons, which trigger a reaction, generating energy. That energy is then able to release electrons into the electrical field, which are pulled into a directional current. The entire process is also known as the Photovoltaic Effect, hence the name of photovoltaic cells.
While there are different types of solar panels, depending on how you want to use the energy generated, the process behind them is usually similar. The most widespread type of solar panels is polycrystalline solar panels. That’s because they are cheaper than other alternatives and are more durable. However, their efficiency is lower than the more expensive monocrystalline solar panels.
Are Solar Panels Safe for Homes?
There are two main concerns that people have regarding solar panels or solar energy overall. First of all, people are under the misconception that solar panels emit dangerous radiations that can cause health problems. While it’s true that solar panels emit electromagnetic radiation, so do the wires inside every house. Additionally, there is no study that directly ties the solar panels’ electromagnetic radiations to any health issues.
Another big concern is the fire hazard that solar panels can become when malfunctioning. But that can be said about any electronic device, as they all have parts that are prone to failure or that can cause a fire. However, the risk of solar panel failure is very low, and with proper maintenance, they can last up to 30 years without issues. Even so, regular inspections are essential in order to prevent any possible failure and to replace malfunctioning solar panels. It’s also important to mention that solar panels should be installed by specialists with proper licenses to reduce the risk of any accidents.
Conclusion
Are solar panels safe for homes? — the answer is a strong yes! There is little to no doubt that solar panels are safe for both households and the environment. And while, like with any electronic, there is the risk of failure, the chances of it happening is extremely low. Additionally, solar panels have extensive warranties that are designed to protect you and your home from any possible failures. So if you were on the fence about installing solar panels, you should definitely do it. The benefits of reducing the electricity bill and of becoming electrically independent are too big to simply ignore.
What to Know About Solar Panels
How Many Solar Panels Would you Need to Power the United States?
Nationwide Solar Panel Mandate on New Homes
How Big is a Solar Panel?
