Sustainability pathways for perovskite photovoltaics

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy
• Sustainable Manufacturing

Background:

• Global solar energy deployment is rapidly increasing, necessitating sustainable photovoltaic (PV) panel production.
• Equilibrium between resource utilization and environmental availability, alongside human and ecological well-being, is crucial for sustainable energy.
• Metal halide perovskite (MHP) semiconductors present a promising avenue for PV technology due to high efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the scalability of metal halide perovskite (MHP) PV panels within a sustainable supply chain.
• To assess the contribution of MHP-PVs to the global renewable energy transition.
• To analyze critical material concerns, embodied energy, carbon impacts, and circular supply chain processes for MHP-PVs.

Main Methods:

• Evaluation of critical material sourcing and availability for MHP-PV production.
• Life cycle assessment focusing on embodied energy and carbon footprint of MHP-PVs.
• Analysis of circular economy principles for MHP-PV supply chains, including recycling and remanufacturing.

Main Results:

• MHP-PV technology has the potential to significantly contribute to a sustainable global renewable energy transition.
• The study identifies key material, energy, and carbon considerations for MHP-PV deployment.
• Circular supply chain processes are essential for maximizing the sustainability of MHP-PVs.

Conclusions:

• MHP-PV panels can be scaled to support a sustainable energy future.
• Prioritizing research in MHP-PV reliability, recycling, and remanufacturing is vital.
• MHP-PVs have the potential to become a leading sustainable energy source with focused research and development.