As photovoltaic (PV) innovations progress, comprehending their ecological ramifications is vital for a sustainable energy shift. IEA PVPS Task 12 evaluates the ecological effect of passivated emitter and rear cell (PERC) innovation in PV setups in contrast to the monocrystalline silicon innovation (AI-BSF) and the pattern towards setting up horizontal singla-axis tracker systems rather than repaired tilt systems. Main information from one PERC and tracker producer allow this research study’s conclusions. Utilizing the life process evaluation (LCA) method, the research study compares 2 areas in Italy with various irradiation patterns to examine the level of sensitivity to solar irradiation. The findings expose that PERC innovation and horizontal single-axis tracker systems show lower ecological effects compared to Al-BSF and repaired tilt setups.
IEA-PVPS
In 2022, the international solar photovoltaic (PV) generation experienced an extraordinary rise, marking a record boost of 270 TWh and reaching almost 1 200 TWh worldwide. This amazing development highlights the essential function of solar power in satisfying the intensifying worldwide electrical power need while concurrently reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The driving force behind this was the facility of brand-new production capabilities, together with the shift from aluminum-back surface area field (Al-BSF) cell innovation to the advanced passivated emitter and rear cell (PERC) innovation around 10 years earlier. The introduction of PERC as the basic innovation is marked by its differentiating functions: an extra dielectric passivation stack on the back of the cell and its possible bifaciality. This innovation has actually changed older cell structures like Al-BSF, mainly due to its enhanced effectiveness gains in both PV cells and modules, resulting in a boost in the nameplate power of modules. There has actually been a noteworthy increase in the adoption of Horizontal Single Axis Tracker systems, which use greater kWh production per kW set up compared to fixed-tilt systems throughout different geographical areas. This shift towards more effective and efficient PV systems highlights a dedication to sustainable energy services.
Environmental Impact Assessment
While the energy production elements of PV innovations have actually been thoroughly studied, a thorough understanding of their ecological footprint is necessary. IEA PVPS Task 12 Experts have actually been using their life process evaluation (LCA) approach to examine the ecological effects related to PERC innovation in contrast to AI-BSF innovation. By using main information from an Italian maker, the report”Environmental Life Cycle Assessment of Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact (PERC) Photovoltaic Module Technologyoffers a thorough analysis of the total life process of PV systems, incorporating production, setup, operation, and end-of-life stages. While based upon analysis of information from just one producer, the findings recommend that the shift from Al-BSF to PERC innovation leads to considerable decreases in greenhouse gas emissions, energy usage, and resource exhaustion throughout the life process of PV systems.
“The primary thrust of our report is to evaluate the effects of the dominant innovation in photovoltaics, utilizing the LCA approach and integrating main and current information,” Pierpaolo Girardi, co-Author of the report stated. “This method permits us to assert that electrical energy created by PERC innovation produced by an Italian business has a carbon footprint lower by 15% compared to electrical energy production with the presently most set up photovoltaic innovation (Al BSF), and a 96% decrease compared to electrical energy produced by a normal Italian gas combined cycle power plant.”
Life Process Assessment Methodology
LCA is a structured, detailed approach of measuring product- and energy-flows and their associated emissions triggered in the life process of items and services. The ISO 14040 and 14044 requirements offer the structure for LCA. IEA PVPS Task 12 consequently established standards, now in their 4th edition, to supply assistance on guaranteeing consistency, balance, and quality to boost the reliability and dependability of the arise from LCAs on photovoltaic (PV) electrical energy generation systems.
Revealing the Environmental Footprint
In their report, the Task 12 specialists evaluate 2 possible styles: (1) modules installed on a horizontal single-axis tracker and (2) modules set up on a set structure. In addition, 2 possible PV places with various irradiance levels are thought about: one in the north of Italy and the other in the south of Italy; outcomes revealed here represent those for Southern Italy. The outcomes, based upon main information from one producer, are outstanding:
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Transitioning from Al-BSF to PERC innovation can cause a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions per kWh produced throughout both areas. The extra passivation layer in PERC cells boosts energy conversion performance, thus lowering the carbon strength of electrical energy generation. The adoption of single-axis solar tracker systems magnifies this ecological advantage, as the increased energy yield per kW set up translates into lower emissions per system of electrical power produced.
The brand-new IEA PVPS Task 12 report examines in information the greenhouse gas emissions connected with utilizing the PERC innovation (see Fig. 1 for an example)
Figure 1: Greenhouse gas emissions of a PERC Power Plant in the south of Italy
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Image: Cavalho et al., 2022
- Energy Consumption: The shift to PERC innovation is accompanied by a noteworthy reduction in overall energy intake throughout the life cycle of PV systems. Enhanced cell performance and production procedures add to this decrease, highlighting the value of technological development in driving sustainability gains. Horizontal single-axis tracker systems display greater energy yields per system of land location, additional enhancing energy production and lessening energy usage per kWh created. Keep in mind likewise that the LCA of the tracking system is based upon main information from a maker.
- Resource Depletion: While both Al-BSF and PERC innovations count on a comparable suite of products, the effectiveness enhancements connected with PERC cells reduce resource deficiency effects. By taking full advantage of energy output per system of product input, PERC innovation decreases the extraction and usage of limited resources, consequently reducing pressure on crucial minerals and metals.
Paving the Path to Sustainable Solar Energy
The research study highlights the prospective ecological advantages of PERC innovation. Based upon the outcomes of this case research study of one PERC producer, by using PERC, the solar market can decrease greenhouse gas emissions, energy intake, and resource deficiency, while concurrently increasing energy yields. In addition, the analysis of various installing systems exposes that modules installed on a horizontal single-axis tracker can result in more effective ecological results, particularly in latitudes comparable to those in Italy. A level of sensitivity analysis consisted of in the Task 12 report recommends that extending the life time of PV panels can reduce particular ecological effects per kWh, highlighting the value of durability in panel efficiency.
Progressing, collective efforts to promote the adoption of ecologically accountable innovations and enhance website choice can increase the awareness of the complete capacity of solar power as a foundation of the tidy energy shift.
Download the complete report here
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This post belongs to a regular monthly column by the IEA PVPS program. It was contributed by IEA PVPS Task 12– PV Sustainability.
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