Harnessing the sun’s energy will be one of the most important measures to save our planet — and solar panels have a key role to play. But as we turn to solar power to combat the climate crisis, a troubling issue emerges.

The vast majority of solar panels currently use toxic and highly persistent PFAS chemicals in the outer layer to ensure durability. In 2022, the market share for PFAS materials in these outer layers was close to 80%, while PFAS-free alternatives accounted for only one-fifth.

“Most of these products have no characteristic for recycling”

Huib van den Heuvel, Chief Commercial Officer at Solarge

But the real problem of PFAS in solar panels is yet to be seen.

“Most of these products have no characteristic for recycling or other circular use of the materials”, says Huib van den Heuvel, Chief Commercial Officer at Solarge, a Dutch solar energy company.

PFAS in solar panels is a waste issue

This means that old solar panels become waste that needs to be dealt with. In Europe, they are incinerated when they reach end-of-life after 25–30 years, which is not ideal since it releases harmful chemicals like PFAS into the atmosphere.

However, the European market for solar panels is tiny, accounting for only 2% of the total share. In the rest of the world, old solar panels instead end up in landfills, where toxic PFAS are allowed to leach into soil and groundwater, posing significant risks to human health and wildlife.

“This is something that people in the sector do not like to talk about. There is a kind of system for collecting all this waste, but we’re not really re-using the material; we’re basically just getting rid of it. This is something not many end users know. Those who have been in the business for a long time find ways to deal with it by managing the risks, but it is not really taking care of the problem; it’s more taking care of one’s own interests”, continues Huib van den Heuvel.

Dr. Jonatan Kleimark, Head of Market Transition at ChemSec, comments:

“PFAS contamination is a serious issue that needs immediate attention”

Dr. Jonatan Kleimark, Head of Market Transition at ChemSec

“The focus has been on promoting solar energy as a clean alternative, but we can’t ignore the environmental impact of the materials used to make the solar panels. PFAS contamination is a serious issue that needs immediate attention”.

Safer alternatives are available

But despite these challenges, there is hope on the horizon.

There are safer PFAS-free alternatives on the market that fulfil all the necessary criteria. Traditional PET-based outer layers have been used for more than 15 years and are readily available from the main suppliers. New innovations are also constantly being developed, many of which are designed to be recycled.

These safer alternatives represent a way for the solar industry to keep its green reputation. Only by facing the PFAS problem directly can solar energy fully benefit the planet without contributing to the chemical pollution crisis.