How is our water impacted by solar power?

Researchers understand the water pollution caused by the combustion of fossil fuels but the impact of solar energy on our water supply has not yet been studied in depth. However, scientists are now beginning to study how solar power generation affects the water supply. As the world becomes more polluted, solar energy has understandably been hailed 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 the water supply.

Solar panel production and the impact on water

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. However, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists, while solar uses less water, the chemicals used in the manufacturing process are still toxic. There is the risk of some kind of spill which could cause these chemicals to leach into the soil and contaminate groundwater. In fairness to the solar industry, that is a hazard that is not unique to solar panel manufacturers.

The result 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 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.

Impact of the disposal of damaged or decommissioned panels

There is general agreement that some photovoltaic cells, especially thin-film cells, contain some 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 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.

If you want to move into the future and join the solar revolution, or if you want to find out what solar panels are right for you, go to HahaSmart.com and try our price checker tool. You can see how much a system will cost, and how much you can save over the next 20 years.

For more information relating to going solar, don't forget to visit our solar blog section for more handy guides and articles.

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