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Application of LCA to Determine Environmental Impact of Concentrated Photovoltaic Solar Panels—State-of-the-Art

Author

Listed:
  • Aleksandra Ziemińska-Stolarska

    (Faculty of Process and Environmental Engineering, Lodz University of Technology, Wolczanska 213, 90-924 Lodz, Poland)

  • Monika Pietrzak

    (Faculty of Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Zeromskiego 116, 90-924 Lodz, Poland)

  • Ireneusz Zbiciński

    (Faculty of Process and Environmental Engineering, Lodz University of Technology, Wolczanska 213, 90-924 Lodz, Poland)

Abstract

Photovoltaic systems represent a leading part of the market in the renewable energies sector. Contemporary technology offers possibilities to improve systems converting sun energy, especially for the efficiency of modules. The paper focuses on current concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) technologies, presenting data for solar cells and modules working under lab conditions as well as in a real environment. In this paper, we consider up-to-date solutions for two types of concentrating photovoltaic systems: high-concentration photovoltaics (HCPV) and low-concentration photovoltaics (LCPV). The current status of CPV solar modules was complemented by the preliminary results of new hybrid photovoltaic technology achieving records in efficiency. Compared to traditional Si-PV panels, CPV modules achieve greater conversion efficiency as a result of the concentrator optics applied. Specific CPV technologies were described in terms of efficiency, new approaches of a multijunction solar cell, a tracking system, and durability. The results of the analysis prove intensive development in the field of CPV modules and the potential of achieving record system efficiency. The paper also presents methods for the determination of the environmental impact of CPV during the entire life cycle by life cycle assessment (LCA) analysis and possible waste management scenarios. Environmental performance is generally assessed based on standard indicators, such as energy payback time, CO 2 footprint, or GHG emission.

Suggested Citation

  • Aleksandra Ziemińska-Stolarska & Monika Pietrzak & Ireneusz Zbiciński, 2021. "Application of LCA to Determine Environmental Impact of Concentrated Photovoltaic Solar Panels—State-of-the-Art," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-20, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:11:p:3143-:d:563863
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Dominika Siwiec & Andrzej Pacana & Andrzej Gazda, 2023. "A New QFD-CE Method for Considering the Concept of Sustainable Development and Circular Economy," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(5), pages 1-21, March.
    2. Iliana Papamichael & Irene Voukkali & Mejdi Jeguirim & Nikolaos Argirusis & Salah Jellali & Georgia Sourkouni & Christos Argirusis & Antonis A. Zorpas, 2022. "End-of-Life Management and Recycling on PV Solar Energy Production," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(17), pages 1-5, September.
    3. Tianyi Chen & Yaning An & Chye Kiang Heng, 2022. "A Review of Building-Integrated Photovoltaics in Singapore: Status, Barriers, and Prospects," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-25, August.
    4. Ludwik Wicki & Robert Pietrzykowski & Dariusz Kusz, 2022. "Factors Determining the Development of Prosumer Photovoltaic Installations in Poland," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(16), pages 1-19, August.
    5. Mladen Bošnjaković & Robert Santa & Zoran Crnac & Tomislav Bošnjaković, 2023. "Environmental Impact of PV Power Systems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-26, August.
    6. Aleksandra Ziemińska-Stolarska & Monika Pietrzak & Ireneusz Zbiciński, 2023. "Effect of Recycling on the Environmental Impact of a High-Efficiency Photovoltaic Module Combining Space-Grade Solar Cells and Optical Micro-Tracking," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-13, April.

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