Impact of photovoltaics on soil and water by metal(loid)s including technology critical elements: preliminary study.

Abstract

The increasing adoption of photovoltaic farms is driven by the growing demand for clean, renewable energy. As advancements in solar technology continue and costs decrease, large-scale solar farms are becoming essential for reducing carbon emissions and enhancing energy security. While PV farms offer a sustainable energy solution, they also pose environmental risks. During their operational lifetime, PV panels can be damaged, potentially releasing hazardous materials into the environment. Additionally, stormwater runoff from solar installations may carry pollutants into soil and water sources. Mitigating these risks is crucial to ensuring that solar energy remains both sustainable and environmentally responsible. This work aims to evaluate PV panels' environmental impact, especially on the soil in one of the oldest PV installations in Poland, comparing it with other sources of pollution in the region, such as mining. Therefore, soil and water samples underwent chemical analysis, statistical analysis, pollution indices assessment, and geospatial analysis to determine potential pollution sources for the observed elemental chemical matrix. Also, the chemical composition of PV material was analyzed. The results indicate that In and Sb are emerging pollutants at moderate levels, potentially originating from long-term use of PV installations. In contrast, elements such as Cd, Cr, Pb, and Zn, which come from mining and smelting activities, present significantly higher environmental risks. This study suggests conducting further similar research across various geological backgrounds to draw broader conclusions. Besides, it is vital to develop experiments that assess the impact of PV panels as hazardous waste materials on soil and water.