SOLAR INVERTERS AND PANELS. PROBLEMS & SOLUTIONS
IS SOlar Safe?
A common question we get is if someone should install solar panels, what are the potential harms and is there a safer way to do it? The answer is yes there is a safer way to do it, but it is always best to avoid a potential hazard rather than create a solution after. Solar and energy-efficient options are becoming harder to avoid, so we worked hard to find ways we could live with this technology in a safer way, rather than avoid it altogether.
EMF hazards and Solar panels & Inverters
Solar installations create multiple EMF hazards. One of our main issues with Solar inverters is the high amount of:
- Dirty Electricity (DE) emitted from the inversion process for DC to AC electricity (click here to read more) It’s important to note that the DE from solar will be lower at night, so people who are home throughout the day will potentially be impacted more, so it’s more of a concern if you or your family members are home throughout the day.
- Radio frequency (RF) transmissions via WIFI to connect to an app to monitor solar usage. This can be extremely strong and impact sitting and sleeping areas in the home. This can be turned off (depending on the inverter) or shielded when necessary.
- AC Electric and magnetic fields from electrical cables going to the inverter. Avoid sitting on the other side of the wall where the inverter is installed; proper grounding of the inverter is essential.
Dirty electricity (DE) and regulations
Solar inverters are subject to regulatory standards to limit electromagnetic interference (EMI) and ensure compatibility with the power grid. However, the concern lies in the fact that the current regulatory standards in Australia need to be more stringent to adequately address the potential health risks associated with dirty electricity (DE) generated by inverters. While solar inverters will meet the existing Australian regulations, the issue is the need for stricter standards that prioritise human health and reduce the risk of symptoms such as headaches caused by prolonged exposure to electromagnetic frequencies.
Are there inverters lower in DE?
Some inverters initially produce less DE; however, we find that there are so many variables in the installation process that lead to the result potentially being the same. Some factors include the location of the inverter, grounding of the unit and the home, where the wires are placed etc.
Is there a safer place to put your inverter?
Often, we get asked if moving them away from the home is helpful. It will reduce the WIFI from the inverter, impacting your home, however, if there is an inversion process of DC to AC electricity, you’ll have DE coming into your home via your electrical wiring.
Micro inverters or a central solar inverter?
Microinverters are inverters used in solar panel systems that are installed on individual solar panels instead of a central inverter. They may have less electromagnetic interference (EMI) or dirty electricity than central inverters because they operate at a lower voltage and frequency. The proximity of microinverters to the solar panels results in shorter wiring, reducing the amount of EMI produced. However, the EMI generated by a solar panel system also depends on the quality of the panels, wiring, grounding, and other system components. While microinverters offer flexibility in panel placement and monitoring individual panel performance, central inverters and microinverters produce dirty electricity that can radiate off the wires in your home.
What to do if you have Solar and you are concerned
- Determine if you’re sensitive to your installed solar panel system. You can turn off the solar for a week or have someone else switch off the inverter at times you’re unaware. Monitor any symptoms during these periods to identify a potential correlation.
- Determine if you are at higher risk as DE during the day when your solar is on and you are at home. Are you at home during the day? You may have lower DE at night. You can focus on removing and lowering other sources of DE (link to DE page) and test yourself with a simple meter to see if it’s an issue. (Link to DE meters) & lower electric fields.
- Filter the DE from the inverter before it gets into the home.
Solutions for Safer Solar
- Avoiding solar, However, DE can also come into your home via the distribution system and radiate through the home Therefore, some of those who are sensitive to EMFs notice an increase in their symptoms when their neighbours get solar.
- Turn off WIFI or shield the incoming WIFI. Contact your installer to see if you can easily remove it.
- Filter the DE from the inverter before it gets into the home by filtering incoming DE before it gets to your switch board. Plug in filters can be good for some situations, they can also create other hazards especially with the amount of filter needed to reduce DE from a solar inverter. The DE voltage can be converted to current and increase current throughout the home. Wiring errors may exacerbate this issue.
- Beware of EMF harmonisers, crystals and other gadgets that don’t produce measurable results. You may be paying a lot for a false sense of security. We recommend using these ONLY after reducing the man-man EMF exposure that is the problem.