Environmental Issues to Compromise on
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Energy manufactured
Manufacturing processes can lead to chemical pollution and greenhouse gas emissions based on the type of technology used. Common starting form of solar cells is silicon dioxide which is often extracted from mining (1).
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During the manufacturing process chemical substances including hydrogen fluoride, hydrochloric acid, and 1,1,1-trichloroethane are used to clean and purify the semiconductor surface.
Health Risks : Respiratory diseases, lung diseases, airway constriction
According to OSHA, solar energy employers are covered by the Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution Standard.
Hazardous Materials
Will need to monitor waste produced from solar panels and install proper waste disposal protocol.
All solar panels have life cycles and must be disposed of. Solar panels waste is predominantly toxic and has a significantly high amount of waste per use (3). Some of the chemical compounds have severe human health risks and require proper protocol and equipment in order to effectively discard the panels.
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Cadmium Telluride (2):
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Byproduct of mining
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High toxic and carcinogenic
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Since material is encapsulated in glass from the solar panel it prevents inhalation and ingestion​
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Health Risks:
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Exposure can cause lung and/or kidney failure
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Silicon Tetrachloride (by-product) (2):
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Colorless fuming liquid with irritating odor
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Violent reaction with water
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Forms heat and toxic corrize hydrogen chloride gas
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Poisonous gases are produced in fire
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Container may be subjected to explode in fire
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Health Risks:
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Inhalation can irritate the nose and throat
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Irritate and burn the skin and eyes
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Can irritate lungs, build up fluid
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May affect the nervous system
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Workplace Exposure of Silicon Tetrachloride (2):
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OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 5 ppm, not to be exceeded at any time”
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