Researchers working in the field of emerging photovoltaic (PV) technology are focusing on how to design future solar panels made of perovskites to be easily recyclable as part of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote decarbonization. By designing the technology with sustainability in mind from the early stages, they believe that the environmental impact of the panels can be minimized over time. The PV research community is in a position to prioritize efforts in remanufacturing, recycling, and reliability to ensure that perovskite PV becomes one of the most sustainable energy sources available.
While solar panels made from silicon currently dominate the industry, they were not initially designed for circularity, unlike cadmium telluride (CdTe) panels which have an established recycling program. Perovskite panels are at a crucial point where sustainability concerns can be addressed proactively, such as reducing carbon emissions during production, sustainable materials sourcing, and end-of-life management. By considering these factors early in the design stage, the researchers believe that perovskite panels have the potential to be manufactured, used, and recycled sustainably.
The study identifies critical sustainability concerns for each component of a perovskite solar panel, including possible substitutions for materials like lead and precious metals to reduce the environmental impact of the panels. Emphasis is placed on reducing embodied energy and emissions in the fabrication process and considering low-cost alternatives for costly materials. The authors also highlight the importance of establishing recycling pathways for materials like specialized glass used in perovskite solar modules, particularly as PV deployment increases. Increasing the durability of PV modules is seen as a more effective approach to reducing net energy, energy payback, and carbon emissions, alongside designing for circularity.
The researchers stress the importance of designing perovskite panels for durability and longer lifespans, to reduce the need for recycling as often. They believe that by optimizing the design for sustainability from the outset, perovskite panels can have a lasting impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting a circular economy in the solar energy industry. By considering aspects such as remanufacturing, recycling, and increasing module durability, they aim to make perovskite PV one of the most sustainable energy sources available on the market.
Looking ahead, the researchers see a path towards cleaner manufacturing processes as the electricity grid becomes cleaner, further reducing emissions associated with PV panel production. They also highlight the importance of local manufacturing to reduce carbon impacts from transportation of raw materials and finished modules. Ultimately, the goal is to design perovskite panels that are as durable as possible, with the ability to easily disassemble and reuse critical components. The study was funded by the DOE Solar Energy Technologies Office and conducted at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the primary national laboratory for renewable energy research and development in the United States.