These days, solar as an alternative source of energy is on the rise in Nigeria. As a result, it is not uncommon to hear people make statements such as “I have solar now”, “Just install solar to have peace of mind”.
Solar has helped a lot of us escape the madness of unstable power. It has brought comfort, quiet, and some level of control over our lives, but there is something we are not talking about enough.
In trying to fix one problem, we may unknowingly be creating another one that we don’t realize, because looking closely at what is being installed in many homes, especially the more affordable ones, the story starts to change.
Most people don’t use the expensive lithium batteries seen in premium installations. What many homes have are tubular batteries, which are more affordable and are lead-acid batteries. Lead is highly toxic and can lead to serious health issues when not properly managed.
As they charge and discharge, and depending on the solar panel condition, particularly when they are aging, overcharging, or poorly installed, they can be very harmful. The terrifying part is that these batteries are stored inside rooms, under staircases, in kitchens, on balconies with little or no ventilation, sometimes even inside bedrooms.
With this, it feels a major problem has been solved, yet something is quietly building in that same space. You are inhaling toxic elements that affect nearly every system in the body.
The most dangerous part is that the impact is gradual, the constant headaches, the unusual tiredness, the feeling that something is off but cannot be explained. It rarely crosses your mind that the battery sitting quietly in one corner could be part of the problem.
Over time, exposure to these toxic fumes can affect the brain, memory, breathing, kidney, energy levels, and for children, their growth and development. Unfortunately, we are celebrating solutions without thinking about the long-term consequences.
In a country with little or no regulation, a system where the government does not prioritize the health and safety of its citizens, an environment where waste disposal is poorly handled such that batteries are dumped and electronic waste scattered carelessly, what we see now is more lead in our living spaces without adequate knowledge, and proper safeguards.
Years from now, we may start seeing the effects, not in a way that is easy to trace but in patterns of health issues that people cannot fully explain, and by then, it may already be too late for many.
Solar is not the problem, but the way it is being adopted, because the same thing that is supposed to improve our living conditions should not be what is quietly putting our health at risk.
Anyone using tubular batteries should review the setup again. Consider the location for installation and level of ventilation around it. Also, think about the installer and whether safety precautions were taken.
If change cannot be effected immediately, at least adjustments can be made with improved ventilation. Planning towards safer options like lithium, even if it takes time is the key because the goal is not just to have alternative source of power but to be well enough to enjoy the benefits.
Facility managers can play a role in creating awareness by doing more research and providing relevant information to clients. On the other hand, people should ask questions and make changes if necessary.
Finally, it is important to state that the solar industry is transitioning to safer, higher performing alternatives.
Source: BusinessDay
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