Do photovoltaic cells harm the environment?
Photovoltaic cells are relatively environmentally benign. Their ability to produce electricity from the sun far outweighs any negative impact in the manufacture of them.Heavy Metals in PhotovoltaicsPhotovoltaics are made of some potentially harmful materials, including silicon and heavy metals like cadmium and gallium, but there has never been an incident when any of these potentially damaging materials have made it into the environment because of photovoltaic manufacturing or use.Purpose of Heavy Metals in PhotovoltaicsThe heavy metals used in photovoltaics are generally used to conduct the electricity produced by the panel, whether it be silicon-based or plastic-based. The cadmium used in solar panels often is recycled from the process of producing zinc. When not otherwise used, the cadmium ends up in tailing piles, says the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).Photovoltaic RecyclabilityPhotovoltaics are heavily recyclable. All the materials used to make them, including the si
