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Third generation of photovoltaic panels: A life cycle assessment

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  • Krebs-Moberg, Miles
  • Pitz, Mandy
  • Dorsette, Tiara L.
  • Gheewala, Shabbir H.

Abstract

This study analyzed the impacts from multi-crystalline silicon (m-Si), organic thin-film (OPV), and perovskite thin-film (PSC) panels over each products’ lifetime using a cradle-to-grave system model. The rate of panel installation each year was modeled to account for efficiency, functional lifetime, and degradation. Landfill and recycling scenarios were used to compare end-of-life impacts and the overall environmental impacts were determined using life cycle impact assessment at the midpoint and endpoint levels. Impact calculations revealed that the production and use of m-Si panels resulted in the worst impacts for all categories. OPV panels produced drastically lower impacts comparatively, with PSC designs falling at mid-range. Recycling lowered the impacts for all module types and showed the largest decrease in the impacts of m-Si panels. Although moderately sensitive to the energy production mix, the results can be applied to other regions for the comparison between panel types.

Suggested Citation

  • Krebs-Moberg, Miles & Pitz, Mandy & Dorsette, Tiara L. & Gheewala, Shabbir H., 2021. "Third generation of photovoltaic panels: A life cycle assessment," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 164(C), pages 556-565.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:164:y:2021:i:c:p:556-565
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2020.09.054
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    2. Li, Qingxiang & Monticelli, Carol & Zanelli, Alessandra, 2022. "Life cycle assessment of organic solar cells and perovskite solar cells with graphene transparent electrodes," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 195(C), pages 906-917.
    3. Özdemir, Samed & Yavuzdoğan, Ahmet & Bilgilioğlu, Burhan Baha & Akbulut, Zeynep, 2023. "SPAN: An open-source plugin for photovoltaic potential estimation of individual roof segments using point cloud data," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 216(C).
    4. Alizadeh, Sadegh & Avami, Akram, 2021. "Development of a framework for the sustainability evaluation of renewable and fossil fuel power plants using integrated LCA-emergy analysis: A case study in Iran," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 179(C), pages 1548-1564.

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