Application of LCA to Determine Environmental Impact of Concentrated Photovoltaic Solar Panels—State-of-the-Art

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Date
2021-05-27Author
Ziemińska-Stolarska, Aleksandra
Pietrzak, Monika
Zbiciński, Ireneusz
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Show full item recordAbstract
Photovoltaic systems represent a leading part of the market in the renewable energies
sector. Contemporary technology offers possibilities to improve systems converting sun energy,
especially for the efficiency of modules. The paper focuses on current concentrated photovoltaic
(CPV) technologies, presenting data for solar cells and modules working under lab conditions as well
as in a real environment. In this paper, we consider up-to-date solutions for two types of concentrating
photovoltaic systems: high-concentration photovoltaics (HCPV) and low-concentration photovoltaics
(LCPV). The current status of CPV solar modules was complemented by the preliminary results
of new hybrid photovoltaic technology achieving records in efficiency. Compared to traditional
Si-PV panels, CPV modules achieve greater conversion efficiency as a result of the concentrator
optics applied. Specific CPV technologies were described in terms of efficiency, new approaches of a
multijunction solar cell, a tracking system, and durability. The results of the analysis prove intensive
development in the field of CPV modules and the potential of achieving record system efficiency. The
paper also presents methods for the determination of the environmental impact of CPV during the
entire life cycle by life cycle assessment (LCA) analysis and possible waste management scenarios.
Environmental performance is generally assessed based on standard indicators, such as energy
payback time, CO2 footprint, or GHG emission.
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