Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Life Cycle Assessment of Photovoltaic Systems — Trying To Fight Deep-Seated Prejudices

  • Chapter
Photovoltaics Guidebook for Decision-Makers

Abstract

The strongest and most deep-seated prejudices against photovoltaic power generation concern ecological aspects and the energy payback time. Although these aspects are still of no relevance in the present situation due to the very low contribution of photovoltaics to total power generation, they have to be considered with reference to the importance attributed to photovoltaic power generation in long term energy economical scenarios (see Sect. 1.3.2). The latter includes photovoltaic electrical standalone off-grid systems in developing countries with a weak infrastructure, as well as grid-connected systems. In order to achieve a share of more than 1% of the worldwide electricity sup-ply, photovoltaics need an annual production rate of several times 10 GWp. This means that photovoltaic power generation must be treated as a potential large-scale technology, and it must therefore be assessed ecologically like a mature power plant technology. Consequently, an integral energetic and ecological life-cycle assessment of photovoltaic power generation is already needed today.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 179.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  1. E. A. Alsema: Environmental Aspects of Solar Cell Modules. Report no. 96074, ISBN 90–73958–17–2. Utrecht University, Dept. of Science, Technology and Society, Utrecht 1996.

    Google Scholar 

  2. E. A. Alsema: Energy Pay-back Time and CO2 Emissions of PV systems. Prog. Photovolt. Res. Appl. 8 (2000), p. 17–25.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. B. A. Andersson: Materials Availability for Large-Scale Thin-film Photovoltaics. Prog. Photovolt. Res. Appl. 8 (2000), p. 51–76.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. ANTEC: Ganzheitliche ökologische Bewertung der CTS-Technik nach dem ANTEC-Verfahren. debis Systemhaus Industry GmbH, T. Prinz, Stuttgart 1999.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Personal Communication Bayer Solar, Dr. Block, Leverkusen 2000.

    Google Scholar 

  6. A. Bubenzer, J. Butz, M. Edel, U. Vidal and A. Zimmermann: Ein universelles Dachintegrationssystem für rahmenlose PV-Module. Elftes Symposium Photovoltaische Solarenergie, Staffelstein (1996), p. 523–526.

    Google Scholar 

  7. CML, R. Heijungs, J. B. Guinee, G. Huppes, R. M. Lankreijer, H. A. U. d. Haes and A. W. Sleeswijk: Environmental Life Cycle Assessment of Products. Guide and Backgrounds. Center of Environmental Science, Leiden 1992.

    Google Scholar 

  8. H. Dienhart, M. Pehnt and J. Nitsch: Analyse von Einsatzmöglichkeiten und Rahmenbedingungen verschiedener Brennstoffzellensysteme in Industrie und zentraler öffentlicher Stromversorgung. Untersuchung für das Büro für Technikfolgenabschätzung beim Deutschen Bundestag. Deutsches Zentrum für Luft-und Raumfahrt (DLR) e.V., Institut für Technische Thermodynamik, Stuttgart 1999.

    Google Scholar 

  9. R. Dones and R. Frischknecht: Life-cycle Assessment of Photovoltaic Systems: Results of Swiss Studies on Energy Chains. Prog. Photovolt. Res. Appl. 6 (1998), p. 117–125.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. R. Dones, U. Gantner, S. Hirschberg, G. Doka and I. Knoepfel: Environmental Inventory for Future Electricity Supply Systems for Switzerland. Paul-Scherrer-Institut, ETH Zürich, Villigen, CH 1996.

    Google Scholar 

  11. B. C. W. v. Engelenburg and E. A. Alsema: Environmental Risks of Amorphous Silicon Solar Cell Modules. 12th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference, Amsterdam (1994), p. 305–308.

    Google Scholar 

  12. ESU, Ökoinventare von Energiesystemen. Grundlagen für den ökologischen Vergleich von Energiesystemen und den Einbezug von Energiesystemen in Ökobilanzen für die Schweiz. R. Frischknecht et. al. Zürich 1996.

    Google Scholar 

  13. A. Ampenberger, E. Hellriegel and D. Köhler: Massen-und Energiebilanzen für die Herstellung von CIS-Dünnschichtsolarmodulen. Forschungsstelle für Energiewirtschaft, München 1998.

    Google Scholar 

  14. P. Frankl, A. Masini, M. Gamberale and D. Toccacelli: Simplified Life-cycle Analysis of PV systems in Buildings: Present Situation and Future Trends. Prog. Photovolt. Res. Appl. 6 (1998), p. 137–146.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. R. Frischknecht, A. Braunschweig, P. Suter and P. Hofstetter: Human health damages due to ionising radiation in Life Cycle Impact Assessment. Environmental Impact Assessment Review 20 (2000).

    Google Scholar 

  16. R. Frischknecht, R. Heijungs and P. Hofstetter: Einstein’s Lessons for Energy Accounting in LCA. Int. J. LCA 3 (1998), p. 266–272.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. L. Frisson, H. Hofkens, K. d. Clerqk, J. Nijs and A. Geeroms: Cost Effective Recycling of PV modules and the Impact on the Environment, Life Cycle, Energy Payback Time and Cost. Proceedings of the 2nd World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion, Vienna (1998), p. 2210–2213.

    Google Scholar 

  18. V. M. Fthenakis, C. Eberspacher and P. D. Moskowitz: Recycling Strategies to Enhance the Commercial Viability of CIS Photovoltaics. Progress in Photovoltaics 4 (1996), p. 447–456.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. V. M. Fthenakis, S. C. Morris, P. D. Moskowitz and D. L. Morgan: Toxicity of Cadmium Telluride, Copper Indium Diselenide, and Copper Gallium Diselenide. Prog. Photovolt. Res. Appl. 7 (1999), p. 489–497.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. V. M. Fthenakis and P. D. Moskowitz: Photovoltaics: Environmental, Health and Safety Issues and Perspectives. Prog. Photovolt. Res. Appl. 8 (2000), p. 27–38.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. G. Hagedorn, H. Kuhn, S. Lichtenberger: Kumulierter Energieverbrauch für die Herstellung von Solarzellen und photovoltaischen Kraftwerken, Forschungstelle für Energiewirtschaft, München (1989).

    Google Scholar 

  22. D. Hartmann and M. Kaltschmitt: Von der Wiege bis zur Bahre. Vergleich der gesamten Emissionen einer Stromerzeugung aus regenerativen Energien. BWK 50 (1998), p. 56–61.

    Google Scholar 

  23. K. M. Hynes, A. E. Baumann and R. Hill: An Assessment of the Environmental Impacts of Thin Film Cadmium Telluride Modules Based on Life Cycle Analysis. Proc. First World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion, Hawaii (1994), p. 958–961.

    Google Scholar 

  24. ISO: Environmental Management — Life Cycle Assessment — Life Cycle Impact Assessment. 2000.

    Google Scholar 

  25. ISO-14040: Environmental Management — Life Cycle Assessment — Principles and Framework 1997.

    Google Scholar 

  26. N. Jungbluth and R. Frischknecht: Literaturstudie Ökobilanz: Photovoltaikstrom und Update der Ökobilanz für das Jahr 2000. Report for the Bundesamt für Energie, Projekt-Nr. 39489, Uster (Switzerland) 2000.

    Google Scholar 

  27. K. Kato, A. Murata, K. Sakuta and K.Yamada: A possibility of recycling PV-modules from a life cycle point of view. 2nd World Conference and Exhibition on Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conversion, Vienna (1998), p. 19531958.

    Google Scholar 

  28. K. Kato: Energy Resource Saving and Reduction in CO2 Emissions as Values of PV Technology — A review on life cycle analysis on PV technologies in Japan. IEA/PVPS Task 1 workshop “Added value of PV system”, Sapporo (Japan).

    Google Scholar 

  29. K. E. Knapp and T. L. Jester: An Empirical Perspective on the Energy Payback Time for Photovoltaic Modules. 28th IEEE Photovoltaics Specialists Conference, Anchorage, Alaska, 2000.

    Google Scholar 

  30. K. E. Knapp and T. L. Jester: Empirical Investigations of the Energy Payback Time for Photovoltaic Modules. Solar Energy, to be published, 2001.

    Google Scholar 

  31. G. Lewis and G. A. Keoleian: Life Cycle Design of Amorphous Silicon Photovoltaic Modules. National Risk Management Research Laboratory, Cincinnati (USA ) 1997.

    Google Scholar 

  32. T. Marheineke, W. Krewitt and R. Friedrich: Ganzheitliche Bilanzierung von Stromversorgungstechniken nach heutigem und zukünftigem Stand der Technik mit geografischem Bezug Deutschland. Entwicklungslinien in der Kraftwerkstechnik, Essen, VDI-Bericht, 1999.

    Google Scholar 

  33. J. Möller: Integrierte Betrachtung der Umweltauswirkungen von Photovoltaik-Technologien. Diploma thesis, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg 1998.

    Google Scholar 

  34. J. Nijs, R. Mertens, R. v. Overstraeten, J. Szlufcik, D. Hukin and L. Frisson: Energy Payback Time of Crystalline Silicon Solar Modules. Advances in Solar Energy 11 (1997), p. 291.

    Google Scholar 

  35. M. Pehnt: Life Cycle Assessment of Renewable Energy Technologies. In: Key Technologies: Renewable Energy Technologies. Report for the HGF Project: Sustainability. Perspectives for Germany. DLR, Institut für Technische Thermodynamik, Stuttgart 2000.

    Google Scholar 

  36. K. Sakuta, K. Otani, A. Murata, H. Unagida and K.Kurakawa: Attempt to recover Silicon PV-cells from modules for recycling. 2nd World Conference and Exhibition on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion, Vienna (1998), p. 2268–2271.

    Google Scholar 

  37. B. Solberg-Johansen, R. Clift and A. Jeapes: Irradiating the Environment: Radiological Impacts in Life Cycle Assessment. Int. J. Life Cycle Assessment 2 (1997), p. 16–19.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  38. H. Steinberger, A. Kettrup, W. Thumm and P. D. Moskowitz: Umwelt-und Gesundheitsauswirkungen der Herstellung und Anwendung sowie Entsorgung von Dünnschichtsolarzellen und Modulen. Report to the Statusreport 1996 Photovoltaik. Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich (Germany) 1996.

    Google Scholar 

  39. H. Steinberger: Health and Environmental Risks from the Operation of CdTe-and CIS-Thin Film Modules. ND World Conference and 2nd Exhibition on Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conversion, Vienna (1998), p. 22762278.

    Google Scholar 

  40. H. Steinberger: Health, Safety and Environmental Risks from the Operation of CdTe and CIS Thin-film Modules. Prog. Photovolt. Res. Appl. 6 (1998), p. 99–103.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  41. USGS: Mineral Commodity Summaries. U. S. Geological Survey, 1999.

    Google Scholar 

  42. VDI-Richtlinie 4600: “Cumulative Energy Demand, Terms, Definitions and Methods of Calculation”, VDI-Handbuch Energietechnik, 1997.

    Google Scholar 

  43. VDI-Richtlinie 4661: “Specific Numbers for Energy Assessment- Definitions — Terms — Methodology”, VDI-Handbuch Energietechnik, draft, 2000.

    Google Scholar 

  44. K. Wambach: Recycling of PV-modules. 2nd World Conference and Exhibition on Photovoltaik Energy Conversion, Vienna (1998), p. 22482251.

    Google Scholar 

  45. H. Wenzel, M. Hauschild and L. Alting, Environmental Assessment of Products. Volume 1 and 2. Chapman Hall, London 1997.

    Google Scholar 

  46. K. Zweibel: Issues in Thin Film PV Manufacturing Cost Reduction. Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells 59 (1999), p. 1–18.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Authors
  1. M. Pehnt
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. A. Bubenzer
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. A. Räuber
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Fachhochschule Ulm, Ulm University of Applied Sciences, Prittwitzstr. 10, 89028, Ulm, Germany

    Achim Bubenzer

  2. Fraunhofer Institut für Solare Energiesysteme, Oltmannstr. 5, 79110, Freiburg, Germany

    Joachim Luther

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2003 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Pehnt, M., Bubenzer, A., Räuber, A. (2003). Life Cycle Assessment of Photovoltaic Systems — Trying To Fight Deep-Seated Prejudices. In: Bubenzer, A., Luther, J. (eds) Photovoltaics Guidebook for Decision-Makers. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-05140-5_4

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-05140-5_4

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-07457-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-662-05140-5

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation