Review on Life Cycle Assessment of Solar Photovoltaic Panels

Abstract

The photovoltaic (PV) sector has undergone both major expansion and evolution over the last decades, and currently, the technologies already marketed or still in the laboratory/research phase are numerous and very different. Likewise, in order to assess the energy and environmental impacts of these devices, life cycle assessment (LCA) studies related to these systems are always increasing. The objective of this paper is to summarize and update the current literature of LCA applied to different types of grid-connected PV, as well as to critically analyze the results related to energy and environmental impacts generated during the life cycle of PV technologies, from 1st generation (traditional silicon based) up to the third generation (innovative non-silicon based). Most of the results regarded energy indices like energy payback time, cumulative energy demand, and primary energy demand, while environmental indices were variable based on different scopes and impact assessment methods. Moreover, the review work allowed to highlight and compare key parameters (PV type and system, geographical location, efficiency), methodological insights (functional unit, system boundaries, etc.), and energy/environmental hotspots of 39 LCA studies relating to different PV systems, in order to underline the importance of these aspects, and to provide information and a basis of comparison for future analyses.

Third‐Generation Solar Cells: Toxicity and Risk of Exposure

“…However, there are some concerns and drawbacks related to this technology too: amorphous silicon is easily degradable, cadmium is highly toxic, tellurium is a rare element, and the other type of thin films have higher manufacturing costs. [15,16] Moreover, they have on average a lower efficiency compared to the first generation. [16] The third generation includes all nonsilicon based technologies such as organic/semiorganic PV panels, perovskite solar cell (PSC), dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC) and QD cells.…”

“…[15,16] Moreover, they have on average a lower efficiency compared to the first generation. [16] The third generation includes all nonsilicon based technologies such as organic/semiorganic PV panels, perovskite solar cell (PSC), dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC) and QD cells. These new technologies should allow a reduction in the costs and a higher efficiency thanks to alternative mechanisms of energy conversion, bringing together the advantages of both first and second generation.…”

“…These new technologies should allow a reduction in the costs and a higher efficiency thanks to alternative mechanisms of energy conversion, bringing together the advantages of both first and second generation. [16] Although they are today mainly at the laboratory stage, they are quite promising for future applications, and will soon gain their place in the market as shown in a recent study of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and International Energy Agency (IEA). [17] Results from this study are reported in Table 1 where the percentages represent the market share of PV panels by technology groups in the years 2014 (real data), 2020 (projection), and 2030 (projection).…”

Life Cycle Analysis of a Geothermal Power Plant: Comparison of the Environmental Performance with Other Renewable Energy Systems

“…Several LCA studies are available on solar PV energy conversion systems [23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32]; in general, the results indicate that a significant impact is coming from the manufacture of the PV modules, with the current silicon technology performing definitely better than CdTe, notwithstanding substantial advantages for thin-film manufacturing [33]. A significant fraction contribution to the overall ecoprofile (20-30%) comes from the structural materials and glazing.…”

Should Photovoltaics Stay at Home? Comparative Life Cycle Environmental Assessment on Roof-Mounted and Ground-Mounted Photovoltaics

“…However, the importance of the location of the photovoltaic installation has been acknowledged especially with regards to the extent that this influences their efficiency and consequently, affects the overall environmental impact. Many papers have been reviewed, which analyzed detailed cases of photovoltaics in specific regions of the world [32][33][34][35][36] and applied LCA on photovoltaics; for example, comparing the three generations of them [37], focusing on different photovoltaic technologies [38][39][40], and combining green roofs with photovoltaics [30,41]. However, an LCA comparing directly actual operating photovoltaics on the field in both ground-mounted photovoltaic farms under the same climate conditions have not been found.…”