Binghamton University Researchers to Test Long-Term Viability of Solar Panels

By Chris Kocher

According to the International Energy Agency, the rapid growth of solar energy generation puts renewables on track to meet almost half of global electricity demand by 2030.

Researchers at Binghamton University’s Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science want to ensure that solar panels are not causing a pollution problem like the fossil fuels they are replacing.

Assistant Professor Yuxin Wang — a faculty member at Watson College’s School of Systems Science and Industrial Engineering — and her collaborators recently received a $254,737 grant from the federal Environmental Protection Agency to investigate the long-term stability and environmental effects of solar cells.

One big concern is that solar panels use lead as a connector between cells, and lead leakage into groundwater can cause numerous health issues, especially for children.

“New York state aims to have one-of-a-kind solar power production in the future, and we don’t want to sacrifice the environment with lead as a substitute for the harmful effects of carbon emissions,” Wang said.

The research will test perovskite solar cells, a more environmentally friendly option meant to replace the silicon-based cells used today.