Materials

Solar modules ("panels") are made of similar materials and technologies as those in your solar calculator. The materials are encapsulated by tempered glass, and must pass severe weather and hail tests to meet UL standards. Entire PV systems must conform to state and federal fire safety, electrical and building codes.

Fire Safety

The risk of fire at ground-mounted solar PV installations is less than the risk of fire at an industrial facility or other buildings because of the relative lack of flammable materials contained in solar panels and the other components of a solar system, and because of the precautions taken during site preparation. Solar energy facilities are consistently monitored.

Noise

Solar PV equipment such as inverters and transformers are completely silent at night. They can make a humming noise when the suns shines, as the array generates electricity. Typically the inverters and transformers are scattered throughout the interior of the array and the solar modules themselves deflect the majority of the sound. Thus the sound is faint at the outer fence line of the project.

Electromagnetic Fields (EMF)

Solar PV poses virtually no EMF risk, as the extremely low frequency EMF from PV arrays is equivalent to the EMF exposure from common household electrical appliances and typical wiring in buildings.

Decommissioning

The average life of solar PV modules can be 30 years or longer after initial installation. Most modules carry warranties of 20-25 years. At the time of project decommissioning, panels may be disposed, recycled, or reused. Large quantities of other high-value materials such as aluminum and steel can be recycled as well. The land is contractually returned to its substantial pre-construction state.