Comparing Environmental Impacts of Single-Junction Silicon and Silicon/Perovskite Tandem Photovoltaics: A Prospective Life Cycle Assessment

Mitchell K. van der Hulst (Corresponding author), Dorottya Magoss, Yiri Massop, Sjoerd Veenstra, Niels van Loon, Ilker Dogan, Gianluca Coletti, Mirjam Theelen, Selwyn Hoeks, Mark A.J. Huijbregts, Rosalie van Zelm, Mara Hauck

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)
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Abstract

Tandem photovoltaics applying perovskite on silicon are considered to be a possible route to sustaining continuous efficiency improvements and price reductions. A meaningful market share for such tandems is, however, at least a decade away. Herein, a comprehensive prospective life cycle assessment was conducted, comparing the full life cycle of monofacial and bifacial silicon/perovskite tandem panels with single-junction silicon panels produced up to 2050. The end-of-life included the recovery of silicon and silver. Climate change impacts per kilowatt hour were projected to decrease by two-thirds over time. Tandem panels are expected to reach impacts of 8-10 g CO2-eq/kWh in 2050, while single-junction panels may reach 11-13 g CO2-eq/kWh in 2050. Other midpoint impact categories with substantial contributions to damaging human health and ecosystem quality were toxicity, particulate matter formation, and acidification, with tandems having lower impacts in each category. Reductions in impacts over time are mainly the result of grid mix decarbonization and panel efficiency improvements. Balance-of-system and recycling were found to contribute substantially to these impact categories. To ensure that tandem panels provide environmental benefits, annual degradation rates should not exceed 1% for monofacial or 3% for bifacial tandems, and refurbishment of panels with advanced degradation is crucial.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)8860-8870
Number of pages11
JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering
Volume12
Issue number23
Early online date23 May 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 10 Jun 2024

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society.

Keywords

  • emerging technology
  • ex-ante
  • life cycle assessment (LCA)
  • multijunction PV
  • passivated emitter and rear contact (PERC)
  • prospective
  • PV recycling

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