An onslaught of hail in southeastern Texas has caused significant damage to the Fighting Jays Solar farm in Fort Bend County. The storm, which occurred on March 15, shattered hundreds of solar panels, raising concerns about potential chemical leaks from the broken panels.
Local resident Nick Kaminski expressed worry about toxic chemicals, such as cadmium telluride, leaking into water tables following the hail damage. The Fort Bend County Environmental Health Department is investigating the incident, and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has been notified.
Representative Troy Nehls emphasized the importance of diversifying energy sources, stating that events like this highlight the risks associated with relying solely on renewable energy.
Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, the parent company of the solar project's developer, confirmed the damage but assured that there was no risk of chemical exposure to the community. The solar panels at the farm do not contain cadmium telluride.
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas and the Texas Public Utilities Commission reported no grid reliability concerns following the incident. However, Daniel Turner from Power the Future warned about the potential threats to the U.S. power grid if heavy reliance on solar energy continues.
The destruction of the Fighting Jays Solar farm underscores the challenges of transitioning to green energy alternatives. The project, spanning over 3,000 acres, came online in July 2022 and is located near Houston.
As the nation moves towards renewable energy, experts caution about the limitations of solar and wind power, particularly in adverse weather conditions. The incident also raises concerns about the geopolitical implications of relying on solar panels manufactured in China.
