Solar Power Myths: Dispelling the Common Misconceptions
A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to tour a large scale solar power array on the western edge of Lincoln, Nebraska. I have read about projects like this and have heard just about every negative misconception, but never have stood in front of one to see for myself. It turned out to be almost exactly what I expected—neat rows of solar panels surrounded by corn fields that were quieter than the rustling corn stalks. With the corn at its peak height you could almost drive right by it without knowing it was there.
The Myths
The following are the most common misconceptions about solar energy and the facts to dispel them.
Close up image of a photovoltaic panel
Myth: Storm damaged panels are an environmental problem
Hail and tornado damage does not lead to chemicals or lead leeching into the soil. Damage to the panels can occur, especially in the Midwest, but the damage is either wind knocking the rods off track, an easy problem to fix, or micro fractures. These small tears require panel replacement not because it leads to any environmental concerns, but because the tears reduce the productivity of the panel.
Myth: Solar arrays are a health and safety risk
There is no evidence to support increased health risks from a solar installation. Solar farms, unlike coal plants, do not create emissions harmful to human health or the environment. There are a few toxic chemicals used inside the panels—lead and cadmium telluride—however these chemicals do not leech out of panels while in use or even if damage by hail as the materials are encapsulated and cannot be removed without breaking apart the entire panel. The concern comes at the end of the panel’s life if not properly decommissioned. This problem of proper disposal is not unique to solar panels and is similar to everyday items such as the batteries we use in nearly every devise we own.
Myth: Solar panels are noisy
From firsthand experience solar installations produce almost no sound. I have stood below huge transmission lines running through a residential neighborhood that make more noise than the solar installation I stood in front of for an hour. The only noise generated comes from the small inverters which create a low buzz as the energy is converted from direct current to alternating current for the electric grid.
Myth: Utility scale solar is an industrial use
Industrial zoning districs were created to separate the negative impacts (pollution, noise, traffic, etc.) of certain industrial uses from residential and commercial areas. As demonstrated above, utility scale solar does not pollute and produces no traffic or noise and therefore cannot be considered an industrial use.
Myth: Property values will decline
A 2018 study conducted at the University of Austin Texas showed that while many people perceive property values will decline with proximity to a utility scale solar installation, the reality is values remain constant.
Myth: Solar panels create heat and raise temperatures dramatically
It is true solar panels produce heat and can raise the temperature around the system can increase by about 5 degrees Fahrenheit. However studies have shown they do not create a dramatic heat island effect as the heat returns to normal temperatures within about 900 feet of the system and cools completely overnight. These studies however were conducted in dessert environments and are the extreme as compared to a Midwest array which would have a lower impact.
Myth: Solar farms increase runoff and overwhelm local tributaries
During construction the ground is cleared for a solar installation, however the period where the ground is left bare is limited to a few months at which point ground cover is re-established. The only areas that are permanently covered are where the I-beams are driven into the ground, maintaining almost the same area for water infiltration. Additionally, many solar installations are planted with native plantings creating an ideal habitat for pollinators and developing deep roots which draw down rainwater better than grass alone.
Myth: The panels require routine cleaning
The panels do not need to be cleaned despite sitting a few yards from a dirt road. The normal rainfall is enough to keep the panels clean and functioning well.
Myth: Solar panels end up in the landfill
It is true solar panels have a limited lifespan of 20 to 30 years and need to be replaced. No energy producing technology exists today that creates zero waste, but many solar panels can be recycled at the end of their lifespan. Additionally, solar is a clean energy system compared to a coal plant with serious negative environmental and health impacts, making solar a better option.
Myth: Solar panels do not work on cloudy or cold days
While energy production will decline, solar panels will still produce electricity on a cloudy day or in the winter. Significant ice buildup on a panel can stop production; however there is often enough sun light to melt the ice from the panels fairly quickly.
Despite the limitations of solar, the benefits seem to outweigh the drawbacks. While the panels may decline in productivity about ½ a percent annually, advances are made every year to improve the performance. Similarly, while storage capacity today is only a few hours, promising technology is being developed to expand this limit. With the myths debunked, more utility scale solar systems should be considered with an eye towards recycling the panels at the end of their life.
Solar panel ground mounted installation west of Lincoln
