04/13/2026
Risks of Water Contamination from Damaged Solar Panels
While solar panels offer environmental benefits, some types contain materials like lead, cadmium, and arsenic. These materials are typically encased in a protective layer, but severe hail damage can crack or break the panels, creating a pathway for these materials to leak.
Types of Hazardous Materials in Solar Panels
Lead: Exposure to lead can cause developmental problems in children and a range of health issues in adults.
Cadmium: Cadmium exposure can damage the kidneys and bones, and is potentially carcinogenic.
Arsenic: Arsenic contamination in water can lead to various health problems, including skin cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
Potential Pathways for Contamination
Damaged panels can allow rainwater to seep into the inner workings, potentially dissolving hazardous materials where they can, then, leak into the ground below the device. When toxins seep into the earth, they find easy purchase in the ground water there and can become a hazard to any community which harvests groundwater for public consumption.
We've also discovered sources of radiation from solar panels.