Compared to traditional energy equipment, photovoltaic systems do not make any sound when converting solar energy into electrical energy, as they have no moving mechanical parts. Therefore, installing a photovoltaic system on the roof will not have an obvious adverse impact on the human body or the environment, but instead will contribute to environmental protection and sustainable development.

Ⅰ.Working Principle of Solar Power Generation

Photovoltaic power generation, as the name suggests, is a technology that converts solar energy into electrical energy. Its core working principle is the photovoltaic effect, that is, the solar panels absorb solar energy, and through the action of the internal semiconductor materials, convert the light energy into electrical energy. This process requires no mechanical movement and is completely based on physical principles to achieve energy conversion.

Ⅱ. Composition of Solar Power Plants

• Power Generation Process

  A photovoltaic power plant uses photovoltaic panels to receive solar radiation and convert the radiant energy into a certain voltage and current of direct current. In the combiner box, the currents are connected in parallel to increase the current, and the combined current is then input into the grid-tied inverter.

  The grid-tied inverter converts the direct current output from the photovoltaic component into alternating current that meets the grid requirements. After passing through the distribution device, the power is connected to the power plant's step-up transformer, which then raises the voltage to the level required by the grid before being fed into the grid.

  

• Constituent Equipment

  The main equipment includes photovoltaic modules, combiner boxes, inverters, low and high-voltage distribution devices, and transformers.

Ⅲ. Do Photovoltaic Power Plants Produce Noise?

In fact, photovoltaic power generation simply converts solar energy into electrical energy and does not generate its own noise. However, during the installation and use process, the operation and maintenance of the machinery and equipment may produce some sound.

The noise of a photovoltaic power plant mainly comes from the following aspects:

• Aerodynamic noise of photovoltaic components

  Due to the need for ventilation to reduce the temperature of the photovoltaic components, the airflow between the components and the wind can produce noise.

• Noise from mechanical equipment operation

  Equipment such as inverters and transformers can produce noise.

• Electromagnetic noise from power line

  The power lines of the photovoltaic power plant may produce electromagnetic noise, affecting surrounding residents.

Ⅳ. Does the Noise of Solar Power Plants Affect Human Health?

Compared to traditional energy equipment, photovoltaic power generation systems are favored for their quiet operation and lack of noise pollution. The photovoltaic components themselves do not make any sound during the process of converting light energy into electrical energy, as they have no moving mechanical parts.

Even the accompanying inverters, with modern technology, have their noise controlled to an extremely low level, generally less than 45 decibels, which is far lower than the sound of daily conversation or air conditioner operation, and will not affect the lives of residents. Moreover, the inverters are usually installed indoors or in special soundproofing facilities, further reducing the possibility of noise leakage.

Ⅴ. Effective Solutions for Noise Reduction in Photovoltaic Power Plants

• Equipment Selection and Optimization

  Selection of low-noise equipment: In the initial construction of the photovoltaic power plant, priority should be given to selecting low-noise inverters, transformers and other equipment.

  Optimization of equipment operating parameters: Adjust the operating parameters of the equipment to reduce mutual interference between equipment and lower the noise level.

• Soundproofing and Sound Absorption Measures

  Construction of soundproofing facilities: Build soundproof walls, soundproof enclosures, etc. around the photovoltaic power plant to effectively block the transmission of noise.

  Arrangement of sound-absorbing materials: Place sound-absorbing materials such as sound-absorbing cotton and sound-absorbing panels inside the power plant to absorb noise energy.

• Vibration Reduction and Isolation Measures

  Installation of vibration damping pads: Install vibration damping pads under the equipment to reduce the impact of equipment vibration on the surrounding environment.

  Adoption of vibration isolation technology: Use vibration isolation technology such as rubber isolators and air springs between the equipment and the foundation to further reduce vibration and noise.

• Greening and Shielding

  Planting greenery: Plant greenery around the photovoltaic power plant, which not only beautifies the environment but also has a noise reduction effect.

  Installation of shielding structures: Utilize the terrain and topography to set up walls, sound barriers and other shielding structures around the power plant to block the transmission of noise.

• Operation and Maintenance Management

  Regular inspections: Regularly inspect and maintain the photovoltaic power plant to ensure normal equipment operation and avoid noise caused by equipment failure or abnormalities.

  Establish a noise monitoring and alarm system: Continuously monitor the noise level of the power plant, and take immediate measures to deal with it if the noise exceeds the standard.

Ⅵ. Conclusion 

In summary, compared to other power generation methods, the noise pollution problem of photovoltaic power plants is not prominent. Through the comprehensive application of measures such as equipment selection, soundproofing and sound absorption, vibration reduction and isolation, greening and shielding, as well as operation and maintenance management, photovoltaic power plants can completely control the noise within an acceptable range.

Therefore, we do not have to overly worry that photovoltaic power plants will cause noise hazards to the surrounding environment. These measures not only help improve the surrounding environment and the quality of life of residents, but also contribute to enhancing the environmental-friendly image of photovoltaic power plants and promoting the sustainable development of clean energy.