In the context of global climate change and rising energy consumption, the use of renewable energy sources is becoming increasingly important. Solar energy is one of the most promising areas. Dilrabo Kodyrova, Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental Health at the Tajik State Medical University, discusses the impact of solar panels on public health, air quality, soil, and water.
Solar panels are devices that convert solar radiation into electrical energy. Silicon panels are the most common, containing monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon, glass, an aluminum frame, polymer insulating materials, and conductors (copper, silver). Some types of panels may also use compounds of cadmium, tellurium, indium, and gallium.
“During operation, solar panels do not emit harmful substances into the atmosphere, do not produce combustion products, and do not contribute to the formation of greenhouse gases. Compared to traditional energy sources, solar installations significantly reduce air pollution. Furthermore, they generate virtually no noise pollution. The exception is the operation of inverters and transformers, which produce minimal noise levels and comply with sanitary standards. Furthermore, the level of electromagnetic fields near solar installations does not exceed permissible hygienic standards and is comparable to household electrical appliances,” the specialist explains.
According to her, solar panels do not pollute soil or water during their use. However, if disposal procedures are not followed, heavy metals may leak into the environment.
“The main hygiene risk is associated with the end of solar panels’ service life, which is approximately 20-30 years. Without an organized recycling system, solid waste can accumulate, toxic components can be released, and soil and groundwater can become contaminated. Therefore, it is necessary to develop safe disposal and recycling programs,” explained Dilrabo Kodyrova.
From a hygienic standpoint, as a representative of the Medical University says, solar batteries are considered environmentally safe energy sources, provided sanitary standards are observed during production, operating conditions are monitored, safe disposal is organized, and environmental conditions are monitored.
“Solar energy helps reduce the anthropogenic load on the atmosphere and decrease the risk of diseases associated with environmental pollution,” she said.
According to a new report from the Ember think tank, by 2024, more than 40% of the world’s electricity will be generated without burning fossil fuels. Solar energy continues to grow rapidly, as solar energy production has doubled in the past three years.
It should be noted that in November 2025, at a Government meeting, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Leader of the Nation, Emomali Rahmon, instructed ministries, departments, and executive bodies of state power in regions, cities, and districts to take appropriate measures to implement the Electric Power Sector Development Program for 2026-2030 and its action plan, as well as to provide annual information on the results achieved.
An order was also given to study the issue of installing solar panels on residential buildings and integrating them with the country’s electrical grid.
Today, according to the Committee for Architecture and Construction under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, medical, cultural, administrative, and public facilities, residential buildings, industrial enterprises, and streets, in addition to standard electricity supply, must be equipped with solar panels.
PHOTO: NIAT “Khovar”
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