Do solar panels cause environmental contamination?
Solar panels contain trace amounts of heavy metals such as lead and copper, which are used in the production of solar cells. However, these heavy metals are typically contained within the solar panel's protective layers, including the glass, backsheet, and encapsulant, which prevent them from leaching into the environment.
“The reports about contamination come from the end of their life. The actual solar panels are not going to leak, it’s like glass in the environment. The lead and the copper are completely encapsulated” - Justin Hodgkiss
