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Photovoltaic panels hide pollution

Solar energy technologies and power plants do not produce air pollution or greenhouse gases when operating. . This section addresses baseline environmental assessment prior to construction, stormwater management, leaching of metals from panels, stray voltage concerns, radiation and electromagnetic fields, impacts to wildlife, and disposal or recycling of panels at the end of their useful life. When these panels get old, recycling them is expensive and difficult. . The simple answer is: solar panels are significantly less harmful to the environment than fossil fuels, but they are not entirely without environmental impact. [PDF Version]