The world of electromagnetic frequencies has always held a certain allure for me. It's akin to…
Solar Panel Radiation: Everything You Need to Know
*We may earn a commission for purchases made using our links. Please see our disclosure to learn more.
In recent years, solar energy has gained significant popularity due to its environmental and financial advantages. Solar panels offer a clean and renewable source of electricity, reducing pollution compared to traditional coal-based power generation. While the initial installation cost of solar panels can be high, the long-term savings make it a worthwhile investment.
However, like any technology, solar panels have drawbacks. One such drawback is the production of electric and magnetic field (EMF) radiation. EMF radiation has been associated with various health concerns, adding a level of risk to the benefits of solar energy.
To help you make an informed decision about solar panels, we have provided an overview of the basics. Whether you are considering going solar or already have solar panels installed, we also offer suggestions on how to minimize your exposure to solar panel radiation. By understanding the risks and taking appropriate measures, you can enjoy the benefits of solar energy while prioritizing your health and well-being.
Solar Panels and EMF Radiation
Solar panels harness the boundless energy of the sun, converting it into a vital source of electricity. However, before this power can illuminate your home, it embarks on a transformative journey. The electricity flows through intricate webs of wires, guided by the ingenious device known as an inverter. This ingenious contraption acts as an alchemist, transmuting the raw electrical essence into a form that harmonizes with the needs of your devices—120-volt energy.
In the realm of solar energy, abundance is a common theme. Frequently, these panels produce a surplus of electricity beyond the immediate requirements of your household. Ingenious individuals opt to store this excess vigor in batteries, preserving it for later occasions when clouds drape the sky or darkness blankets the landscape. Should the solar panel produce a profusion beyond storage capacity, another path beckons—the opportunity to exchange this surplus with the local electric company for financial gain. Thus, the sun’s radiance becomes an investment that can flourish over time.
A crucial juncture emerges when the electricity, poised to embark on a transformative journey, seeks a passage to the power company. At this moment, the inverter shepherds the current through a power line, bridging the gap between your abode and the vast electrical network. Aptly positioned at this interface is a smart meter, an instrument of innovation. This meter, with its wireless connectivity, transmits intricate usage and power data to the electric company, obviating the need for manual inspection.
Though this symphony of solar energy conversion is inherently safe, there are elements that warrant cautious consideration. The solar panels themselves emit minute levels of extra-low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic radiation, an inconsequential fraction compared to the potency of power lines. The primary concern lies within two domains: the transmission of electricity from the inverter to your home and the meter employed by the electric company to monitor the energy you contribute.
In this intricate dance of energy transformation, solar power manifests as a celestial benefactor, its brilliance paving the way towards a sustainable and profitable future.
Smart Meters
Amidst their apparent convenience, smart meters conceal a trove of concerns, particularly when it comes to your well-being. These enigmatic devices rely on the utilization of radiofrequency (RF) waves to establish communication with a handheld contrivance. With a mere drive through your neighborhood, an electric company worker effortlessly captures readings from the meter, courtesy of this wireless exchange.
However, it is precisely the RF waves that give rise to apprehension. These waves belong to the realm of electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation, and smart meters unleash this potent force in copious amounts. The repercussions ripple throughout the vicinity, permeating not only the open expanse of your yard and patio but also penetrating the very walls that enclose your abode.
Discerning the presence of a smart meter within your premises may prove elusive. In the face of uncertainty, it behooves you to reach out to your electric company and ascertain the nature of the meters they employ. Engaging in dialogue with a technician or department manager is your surest path, as the desk clerk might lack the requisite knowledge on the matter.
Dirty Electricity
Beyond the realm of solar panels lies another radiation peril: the enigma of “dirty electricity.” This elusive phenomenon materializes when surplus electricity exceeds immediate demand, giving rise to a discordant presence. Dirty electricity, a progenitor of extra-low frequency (ELF) radiation, emerges as a consequence of the intricate conversion process transpiring within your faithful inverter.
At the crux of this process lies the inverter’s noble duty to transform the panel’s energy into a consumable form for your dwelling. The panels operate in the realm of direct current (DC), while your home’s appetite is sated by alternating current (AC). The transition from low-voltage DC to high-voltage AC engenders the birth of this clandestine entity, infusing the electrical ecosystem with dirty electricity. As time unfolds, the accumulation of this spectral contamination burgeons, assuming a substantial presence.
Why You Should Be Concerned
The shadow of concern looms over EMF radiation, as the International Association for Cancer Research, affiliated with the venerable World Health Organization, designates it a potential carcinogen. Emanating from the intricate tapestry of electromagnetic fields, both ELF and RF radiation have been entwined with diverse cancerous manifestations. A compelling study unearths a poignant correlation between a child’s birth address’s proximity to power lines and the onset of childhood leukemia. Power lines, emanating a formidable aura, propagate substantial levels of ELF-EMF radiation. Furthermore, a separate study exposes the peril of RF radiation, inducing malignant heart and brain tumors in unsuspecting rodents.
The pernicious tendrils of EMF radiation extend beyond cancer, infiltrating various facets of health. Glioma, male infertility, and even miscarriages bear an unfortunate alliance with exposure to this formidable force. For those who harbor heightened sensitivity to radiation, a disquieting symphony of symptoms unfolds in high-EMF domains—nausea, confusion, dizziness, fatigue, and even the desolation of depression. Yet, a glimmer of solace arises as these afflictions wane when one retreats to the sanctuary of a lower-EMF milieu.
Minimizing Exposure to Solar Panel Radiation
The perils associated with EMF exposure are undeniable. If you have thoroughly examined these risks and remain interested in embracing solar energy—or if you have already adopted solar power and seek measures to diminish potential hazards—there are steps you can take. While it may be impossible to completely eliminate the risk, you have the power to significantly minimize your family’s exposure.
EMF Meter
The initial stride entails acquiring a top-tier EMF meter that boasts capabilities for detecting electric, magnetic, and RF radiation. This can be ascertained by scrutinizing the frequency range the device can analyze. The lower range (up to 3,000 Hz) encompasses extra low frequency magnetic and electric field radiation, while the higher range (20 KHz up to 300 GHz) encompasses the realm of radiofrequency. To effectively gauge radiation from your solar panels and associated equipment, your meter must be equipped to detect both ELF and RF-EMF radiation.
Our recommendation often gravitates towards the TriField TF2, which exhibits commendable accuracy in detecting electric, magnetic, and RF radiation. It embodies user-friendly features and garners positive reception among reviewers.
Once equipped with an EMF meter, you can compare and contrast your pre- and post-adjustment EMF levels when modifying your home and solar panel configuration. This involves capturing and documenting measurements before implementing any changes, and subsequently repeating the process after the adjustments have been made. A successful modification should yield a noticeable reduction in EMF levels, providing valuable insights into the effectiveness of the alteration.
Smart Meter Covers
When confronted with the presence of a smart meter in your setup or when considering selling electricity back to the utility company, it becomes imperative to counteract the emissions stemming from the smart meter. Fortunately, there are effective measures you can take, starting with the acquisition of a smart meter cover. These covers are designed to envelop the exterior of your smart meter, acting as a shield against EMF radiation in your outdoor space.
A notable option is the Smart Meter Guard, resembling a drum-like structure that effortlessly attaches to the outer surface of the meter. While not impervious enough to obstruct the signal, it possesses adequate thickness to confine the radiation within. Overall, it stands as the simplest solution for combatting outdoor EMF radiation emitted by a smart meter.
Alternatively, you have the option of fashioning your own smart meter cover using materials like aluminum foil or other EMF-repellent substances. It is important to ensure that the entire smart meter is not covered, allowing the signal to pass through, but you can effectively shield the sides, considerably minimizing the emitted EMF.
Apart from utilizing a smart meter cover, implementing a barrier within your home proves prudent. The smart meter emits EMF radiation that permeates the walls, infiltrating your living space. To counteract this, you can employ EMF-repellent barriers or use specially formulated EMF-repellent paints, which impede the leakage of EMF through your home’s walls. Apply the paint or position the barrier on the opposite side of the wall where the smart meter is located.
Pre-made barriers can be obtained for approximately $17 per sheet, or you can opt for a cost-effective DIY approach using EMF-repellent materials like aluminum foil and EMF-absorbing materials such as copper. These materials can be layered together and mounted on the wall.
If you decide to opt for paint, our recommendation leans towards Woremor’s 5-liter RF-shielding paint. With two applications, it offers the ability to block up to 99.998% of EMFs, providing a robust defense against their intrusion.
Dirty Electricity Meters and Filters
In conjunction with employing smart meter covers, it is essential to contemplate the utilization of a dirty electricity meter and filter. These meters are designed to detect the levels of undesirable electrical pollution present in your home’s wiring. Typically, a single meter suffices, as it can be plugged into multiple rooms to gauge variations. This enables you to assess the effectiveness of dirty electricity filters in reducing the levels of pollution. These filters aid in dissipating excess electricity that can accumulate within your home’s wiring, a common occurrence when utilizing solar energy.
An exceptional option for a dirty electricity meter and filter is offered by Greenwave. Their meter boasts user-friendly features, providing real-time measurements of the amount of dirty electricity permeating your living space. It even incorporates an audio feature that allows you to audibly perceive the presence of dirty electricity.
Greenwave also offers filters that can be purchased individually or in convenient packs of varying quantities, ranging from 2 to 24. Most average-sized rooms typically require two filters, while larger rooms may necessitate a higher quantity. Notably, these filters are designed with a built-in plug at the base, ensuring that you do not sacrifice any outlet accessibility. Simply plug them in and observe the readings on the dirty electricity meter as they diminish, signaling a reduction in electrical pollution.
Reduce Your Home’s Overall EMF Levels
In addition to the aforementioned measures, when embracing solar panels, it is prudent to undertake actions that effectively diminish the overall levels of EMF radiation in your home. The accumulation of exposure poses a significant risk, making any effort to reduce that exposure paramount.
There are several modifications you can implement to lower your home’s EMF levels, ranging from simple adjustments to more involved endeavors. On the simpler side, consider replacing LED and CFL bulbs with traditional incandescent ones. Additionally, placing a guard over your wireless router can provide a protective barrier. For those willing to invest a bit more effort, opting for hardwired internet connections can substantially reduce EMF levels throughout your home. Furthermore, check if your utility company employs smart meters for monitoring gas or water usage, and consider installing smart meter covers if necessary.
An indispensable tool in this endeavor is your EMF meter. Traverse your home, room by room, and take measurements along the way. Pay attention to levels in living areas and high-traffic spots within the house. Subsequently, implement some of the suggested adjustments and retest the EMF levels to assess the impact of the modifications.
Final Thoughts
When contemplating the adoption of solar technology, it is crucial to acquaint yourself with the associated risks before reaching a decision. While solar panels offer numerous benefits, it is essential to acknowledge that they also emit potentially hazardous EMF radiation, which has been linked to severe health issues.
If you do choose to embrace solar energy, there are measures you can take to enhance the safety of this technology. A smart meter cover is an essential accessory if your electric company employs such meters. Additionally, utilizing dirty electricity meters and filters proves highly effective in reducing the presence of dirty electricity, and consequently, ELF-EMF radiation, within your home. Employing a high-quality EMF meter allows you to discern the before-and-after levels when implementing any changes.
As solar panels become increasingly prevalent, the hope is that advancements in technology and the development of new products will lead to a reduction in the generation of dirty electricity. However, in the interim, adopting simple steps to safeguard yourself remains the best approach to safely embrace this technology.