Do solar panels emit harmful radiation for living beings?

Like many household appliances and electronic devices, inverters can create small alternating electromagnetic fields. However, their exposure levels are very low and have no documented harmful effects, much like electricity transmission lines.

Electromagnetic fields are a natural part of electricity, present in many aspects of daily life. Still, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), typical household exposure levels are well below the limits considered hazardous to human health.

How do solar panels work?

Solar panels operate by absorbing solar radiation, which is the energy emitted by the sun.

They are designed to capture as much solar radiation as possible and convert it into electricity. While a small fraction of the incoming sunlight is reflected, solar panels reflect far less light than surfaces like water, snow, or window glass.

A photovoltaic module or panel consists of interconnected solar cells, encapsulated to protect them from extreme weather conditions. In fact, materials exposed to the outdoors must be shielded from environmental factors—especially solar radiation and moisture—according to the Institute for the Diversification and Saving of Energy (IDAE).

So, is it accurate to say that solar panels emit radiation? To answer this question, let’s take a closer look at electromagnetic fields.

Where does radiation come from? Electromagnetic fields

Electromagnetic fields naturally occur as part of electricity. In photovoltaic systems, they are primarily generated in the inverters and their wiring when direct current from the solar panels is converted into alternating current, which is then transmitted through the electricity grid.

What are electromagnetic fields? Electromagnetic fields are invisible energy areas created by the interaction of electricity and magnetism. While they are present all around us, they are not visible to the naked eye.

One key characteristic of an electromagnetic field is its frequency or wavelength. Fields with different frequencies interact with the human body in different ways.

Exposure to electromagnetic fields is nothing new, but environmental exposure to artificial electromagnetic fields has increased over time.

While we are all exposed to a combination of weak electric and magnetic fields, they do not affect our health.

Then, do photovoltaic systems emit radiation? Yes, but at very low levels—comparable to those of common household electrical appliances. Are they harmful? No, they pose no risk to living beings or the environment.

Regulations on solar panels

Photovoltaic systems are subject to international regulations to ensure their safety. In Europe, they are governed by the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (2014/30/EU), which sets limits on electromagnetic emissions to ensure they remain at safe levels for both people and the environment.

They are also subject to the emission standard for residential, commercial, and light industrial environments (UNE EN 61000-6-3) and the emission standard for industrial environments (UNE EN 61000-6-4).

Solar energy in Spain

Solar energy is on the rise in Spain, solidifying its position as a key source of renewable electricity generation.

According to data from Red Eléctrica, solar photovoltaic energy remains the fastest-growing technology. In 2023, a total of 5,594 MW of photovoltaic power was installed, a 28% increase compared to the previous year.

The total installed capacity has already reached 25,549 MW. As of 31 December 2023, solar photovoltaic energy accounted for 20.3% of the national installed capacity.

This growth goes beyond just obtaining clean energy and its associated benefits. There is potential to utilise the land occupied by solar farms to create synergies with other sectors. Have you heard of agrivoltaics? 

Solar energy and agriculture

Agrivoltaics combine solar energy generation with agricultural activities on the same land, optimising land use.

Solar farms help retain soil moisture and protect against direct sunlight, which benefits the growth of certain crops. Some of its advantages include biodiversity preservation and shared value creation with local communities. 

Solar panels and photovoltaic systems in general do not emit radiation that is harmful to health. Their design, along with current regulations, ensures safe operation. Additionally, they contribute to sustainable development and the energy transition to clean energy sources.