A solar PV system includes several components that conduct electricity. This includes the PV solar array, the inverter and other essential parts. This presents solar power safety concerns. When these parts are live with electricity generated by the sun, they can cause serious injuries due to electric shock or arc-flash.
However like other power generation sources, solar energy has also some Safety, Health and Environmental (SHE) concerns. This paper presents the overview of solar energy technologies and addresses the SHE impact of solar energy technologies to the sustainability of human activities.
All operations on small-scale solar power installations require training to recognise the various risks and to take the appropriate safety and health measures. The manufacture, disposal or recycling of PV systems can lead to exposure to chemicals.
During their assembly and repair, or as a result of accidental damage (such as in the case of leakage), the chemical risks that may occur are lower since only small amounts of semi-conductor materials are present in the finished items. Solar installations present electric risks during (de)installing, connecting, and maintaining.
Solar power installations can be the source of a combination of risks throughout their life cycle. This may be influenced by the following main areas of hazards: exposure to toxic chemicals and metals, electric risks (PV)/burns (STP), working at height, and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
Often the fluid is water, but additives like glycol prevent freezing and enhance the heat transfer characteristics. The technology neither uses hazardous chemicals nor features electrical risks. However, as hot fluids are involved, they present risks for burns and scalding. Photovoltaic systems use cells to convert solar radiation into electricity.