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Life-Cycle Analysis of Potentially Longer Life Expectancy CdTe PV Modules

Journal Article · · Conference Record of the IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference
 [1];  [2];  [3]
  1. Columbia Univ., New York, NY (United States). Center for Life; Columbia University
  2. Columbia Univ., New York, NY (United States). Center for Life
  3. First Solar, Tempe, AZ (United States)
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Research on PV module longevity shows that with lower degradation rates and better encapsulation, PV modules can significantly outlast their current life expectancy of 25-30 years. The focus of this study is on alternative CdTe PV module back-contact and encapsulation materials that show the potential of increasing module operation lives from 30 to 40 and 50 years. Life-cycle-analyis shows that some alternative materials may slightly increase cradle-to-gate environmental impacts per m2 of module, but increased operational life more than counterbalances such impacts. The life-cycle carbn footprint of systems operating under average US insolation conditions of 1800 kWh/m2/yr is reduced from 10 gCO2eq/kWh to 6 gCO2eq/kWh when the operation life increases from 30 to 50 yrs. Similar reductions are noted for all life-cycle impact indicators, whereas the EROI of the considered system increases from 67 to 177 as life increases from 30 to 50 yrs.

Research Organization:
Columbia University, New York, NY (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Renewable Power Office. Solar Energy Technologies Office
Grant/Contract Number:
EE0009830
OSTI ID:
2204265
Journal Information:
Conference Record of the IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, Journal Name: Conference Record of the IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference Vol. NA; ISSN 0160-8371
Publisher:
IEEECopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (5)

Back contacts materials used in thin film CdTe solar cells—A review journal February 2021
Moisture ingress prediction in polyisobutylene-based edge seal with molecular sieve desiccant journal October 2017
Exceeding 20% efficiency with in situ group V doping in polycrystalline CdTe solar cells journal August 2019
Value of stability in photovoltaic life cycles conference June 2021
The Energy and Environmental Performance of Ground-Mounted Photovoltaic Systems—A Timely Update journal August 2016

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