SOLAR COMMUNITY BENEFITS: BOOSTING HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Updated September 12th, 2025
By Morgan Pierce
Dr. Google has a lot to answer for. These days so does Dr. ChatGPT. I knew I’d seen new research on solar health and solar community benefits but couldn’t quite recall where. I popped some logical terms into my search engine and was inundated with fact-free “discussion” threads proposing that solar posed this or that risk or benefit to our health.
So, what’s the story?
First, let’s dispel the myth that solar is dangerous.
Extensive research, including studies by internationally respected scientists, has found no link between solar and cancer or other serious health problems. Much of the discussion around this issue stems from misinformation about electromagnetic fields (EMFs) that exaggerates the level of non-ionising radiation emitted by solar panels.
I’ve also seen forums raising concern about the possible danger of chemical contamination from solar panels. The fact is that most modern panels don’t even contain the chemical compounds of concern, because more effective alternatives have been found. Even where the potentially dangerous compounds are present – a class of compounds called Per/Poly Fluoro-Alkyl Substances, PFAS for short – studies have shown that they do not “leach out” of the panels into the surrounding environment.
In fact, one study found that “more common materials release PFAS under conditions where solar panels do not, indicating that PFAS exposure risk may be higher sitting on outdoor furniture, for example, than living next to a solar farm.”
The evidence shows, by contrast, that there are documented solar health benefits to its wide expansion. One such benefit is improved air quality.
One study used data gathered during the rapid adoption of large-scale solar power in Chile over the last decade. In the region studied, solar had replaced coal as the main source of electricity production.
“Coal generation emits significant amounts of local air pollutants, including sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. These pollutants are associated with several adverse health effects and increased hospital admissions, mortality risks, and threats to life expectancy. The extent to which these emissions are curtailed with the introduction of renewable energy resources illustrates the potential of alternative energy sources to offset some of the negative effects of dirty electricity generation.”
Switching to solar will literally clean the air we breathe.
Altruistic and Biospheric Solar Community Benefits
There seems also be a case to be made that “going solar” might have valuable positive impacts on individual mental health and societal well-being.
Research suggests that adopting solar (or other renewable forms of energy) represents the adoption of “altruistic and biospheric values”. Altruistic values are those which predispose people to focus on ways to benefit others; biospheric values are those that attune people to the needs of nature and the environment.
It has long been accepted among mental health professionals that altruistic and biospheric values lead to improved mental and physical well-being.
We talk a lot on this blog about the economic benefit of low-cost solar. In these challenging times, though, let’s not forget solar health and solar community benefits. Making the personal choice to switch to a renewable energy source is also a powerful, proactive decision in favour of the planet’s health and the collective good.
That kind of decision-making has long-term health benefits for us all.
Why Choose Solar In Ireland?
Investing in a solar panel systems in Ireland can bring many benefits, including reduced energy bills, increased energy independence, and a reduced carbon footprint. If you are interested in installing a solar panel system in Ireland, it is also worth exploring the different grant options and green business loans available and seeking professional advice from one of our solar energy advisors.
Feel free to contact us for more information, we’re here to help.
