Effect of Recycling on the Environmental Impact of a High-Efficiency Photovoltaic Module Combining Space-Grade Solar Cells and Optical Micro-Tracking

Abstract

This paper presents a life cycle assessment (LCA) analysis of a new, high-concentration photovoltaic (HCPV) technology developed as part of the HIPERION project of hybrid photovoltaics for efficiency record using an integrated optical technology. In the LCA calculations, the production stage of a full module was adopted as a functional unit. SimaPro version 9.00.49, the recent Ecoinvent database (3.8), and the IPCC 2021 GWP 100a environmental model were applied to perform the calculations. The environmental impact of the HCPV panel was determined for constructional data and for recycling of the main elements of the module. The results of the calculations show that recycling of PMMA, rubber, and electronic elements reduced the total carbon footprint by 17%, from 240 to 201 kg CO2-eq. The biggest environmental load was generated by the PV cells: 99.9 kg CO2eq., which corresponds to 49.8% (41.7% without recycling) of the total environmental load due to the large number of solar cells used in the construction. The emission of CO2 over a 25-year lifespan was determined from 17.1 to 23.4 g CO2-eq/kWh (20.4 to 27.9 without recycling), depending on the location. The energy payback time (EPBT) for the analyzed module is 0.87 and 1.19 years, depending on the location and the related insolation factors (Madrid: 470 kWh/m2, Lyon: 344 kWh/m2). The results of the calculations proved that the application of recycling and recovery methods for solar cells can improve the sustainability of the photovoltaic industry.

Advancements in Photovoltaic Cell Materials: Silicon, Organic, and Perovskite Solar Cells

“…Important strides in sustainability are also seen in the recycling efforts of silicon-based photovoltaics. Ziemińska-Stolarska et al [ 138 ] noted that recycling specific elements in silicon-based modules can reduce the total carbon footprint, marking significant progress in the industry’s sustainability. Liang and You [ 139 ] added that localizing silicon PV manufacturing (reshoring) contributes to decarbonization by lowering greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption.…”

“…The integration of organic photovoltaic systems into buildings, as explored by Jānis Kramens et al [ 142 ], suggests that these systems may offer more sustainable solutions for single-family buildings, particularly in reducing particulate matter formation and global warming impacts. Recycling in the organic photovoltaic sector, emphasized by Ziemińska-Stolarska et al [ 138 ], plays a crucial role in diminishing the environmental load, with a significant focus on effective recycling and recovery methods. In additional research conducted by Solak et al [ 143 ], it is emphasized that organic photovoltaics represent a clean and eco-friendly technology with significant potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.…”

“…In another study, Tan et al [ 146 ] emphasized the importance of life cycle sustainability assessment in supporting the sustainable development of solar power generation, including perovskite solar cells. The recycling of perovskite solar cells, as shown by Ziemińska-Stolarska et al [ 138 ], can reduce the environmental load significantly, highlighting the importance of sustainable end-of-life management. In line with these developments, McCalmont et al [ 147 ] demonstrated the economic viability of recycling perovskite photovoltaics, suggesting a shift towards more sustainable practices in the industry.…”

Advancements in Photovoltaic Cell Materials: Silicon, Organic, and Perovskite Solar Cells

“…Important strides in sustainability are also seen in the recycling efforts of silicon-based photovoltaics. Ziemi ńska-Stolarska et al [138] noted that recycling specific elements in silicon-based modules can reduce the total carbon footprint, marking significant progress in the industry's sustainability. Liang and You [139] added that localizing silicon PV manufacturing (reshoring) contributes to decarbonization by lowering greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption.…”

“…The integration of organic photovoltaic systems into buildings, as explored by Jānis Kramens et al [142], suggests that these systems may offer more sustainable solutions for single-family buildings, particularly in reducing particulate matter formation and global warming impacts. Recycling in the organic photovoltaic sector, emphasized by Ziemi ńska-Stolarska et al [138], plays a crucial role in diminishing the environmental load, with a significant focus on effective recycling and recovery methods. In additional research conducted by Solak et al [143], it is emphasized that organic photovoltaics represent a clean and eco-friendly technology with significant potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.…”