Abstract
After several years of scientific research and industrial development, photovoltaic solar energy is now one of the safest and most economical energy sources. In addition, it is meant to play a key role in solving energy supply deficiencies in the European region. However, despite the rapid improvement of the technology and the overall benefits that Solar PV reports, new concerns have emerged relating to its sustainability. Solar photovoltaics, even though being a renewable source of energy, presents a relatively high environmental impact when comparted to other renewable technologies. In addition, the EU has a high external dependency on some critical raw materials required for the manufacture of solar modules and lacks a proper manufacturing industry to cope with a constantly increasing demand. Investment on research for alternative materials and technologies, to provide better regional availability, longer life span, and increased efficiency, alongside the development of a proper manufacturing industry, will be key for Europe’s energy supply. Achieving climate neutrality while ensuring an affordable and reliable energy supply are some of the targets described in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) that are most relevant in the European region, and Solar PV is set to have a main role in their achievement.
In this work, a summary of the main photovoltaic technologies, their performance, and evolution in the last decade is presented. According to the different scenarios introduced by the International Energy Agency, the future perspective for the most relevant solar photovoltaic technologies is presented. Manufacturing and environmental issues to be solved are also discussed. Finally, alternative policies and strategies for enhancement of solar photovoltaics, with emphasis on EU regional aspects, are presented.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Abdullah AL, Misha S, Tamaldin N et al (2020) Theoretical study and indoor experimental validation of performance of the new photovoltaic thermal solar collector (PVT) based water system. Case Stud Therm Eng 18. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.CSITE.2020.100595
Agostinelli G, Alet P-J, Bett AW, Bonemazzi F (2011) A strategic research agenda for photovoltaic solar energy technology, 2nd edn. Publications Office of the European Union. https://doi.org/10.2788/115824
Alonso García MC, Balenzategui JL (2004) Estimation of photovoltaic module yearly temperature and performance based on Nominal Operation Cell Temperature calculations. Renew Energy 29:1997–2010. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.RENENE.2004.03.010
Anderson M, Grandy A, Hastie J et al (2010) Robotic device for cleaning photovoltaic panel arrays. Mob Robot Solut Challenges – Proc 12th Int Conf Climbing Walk Robot Support Technol Mob Mach CLAWAR 2009, pp 367–377. https://doi.org/10.1142/9789814291279_0047
Assi A, Hassan A, Al-Shamisi M, Hejase H (2012) Removal of air blown dust from photovoltaic arrays using forced air flow of return air from air conditioning systems. In: 2012 International Conference on Renewable Energies for Developing Countries, 28–29 November. Beirut. https://doi.org/10.1109/REDEC.2012.6416699
Blengini GA, Latunussa CEL, Eynard U et al (2020) Study on the EU’s list of Critical Raw Materials (2020) final report. https://doi.org/10.2873/904613
BNEF (2020) Scale-up of solar and wind puts existing coal, gas at risk|BloombergNEF. https://about.bnef.com/blog/scale-up-of-solar-and-wind-puts-existing-coal-gas-at-risk/?sf121491850=1. Accessed 10 Dec 2021
BP (2021) Statistical Review of World Energy 2021|70th edition
Branker K, Pathak MJM, Pearce JM (2011) A review of solar photovoltaic levelized cost of electricity. Renew Sust Energ Rev 15:4470–4482. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.RSER.2011.07.104
Carrol D (2021) ANU researchers claim 29% efficiency world record for bifacial solar cell – pv magazine Australia. https://www.pv-magazine-australia.com/2021/08/19/anu-researchers-claim-29-efficiency-world-record-for-bifacial-solar-cell/. Accessed 14 Jan 2022
Checco A, Rahman A, Black CT (2014) Robust superhydrophobicity in large-area nanostructured surfaces defined by block-copolymer self assembly. Adv Mater 26:886–891. https://doi.org/10.1002/ADMA.201304006
Chen W, Hong J, Yuan X, Liu J (2016) Environmental impact assessment of monocrystalline silicon solar photovoltaic cell production: a case study in China. J Clean Prod 112:1025–1032. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JCLEPRO.2015.08.024
Chow TT, Ji J, He W (2007) Photovoltaic-thermal collector system for domestic application. J Sol Energy Eng 129:205–209. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.2711474
Couture TD, Cory K, Kreycik C, Williams E (2010) A policymaker’s guide to feed-in tariff policy design. Office of Scientific and Technical Information. Date: 2010-07-01. https://doi.org/10.2172/1219187
Cuddihy EF (1980) Theoretical considerations of soil retention. Sol Energy Mater 3:21–33. https://doi.org/10.1016/0165-1633(80)90047-7
Dida M, Boughali S, Bechki D, Bouguettaia H (2021) Experimental investigation of a passive cooling system for photovoltaic modules efficiency improvement in hot and arid regions. Energy Convers Manag 243:114328. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.ENCONMAN.2021.114328
Dörenkämper M, Wahed A, Kumar A et al (2021) The cooling effect of floating PV in two different climate zones: a comparison of field test data from the Netherlands and Singapore. Sol Energy 214:239–247. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.SOLENER.2020.11.029
EEA (2021) Share of energy consumption from renewable sources in Europe. https://www.eea.europa.eu/ims/share-of-energy-consumption-from. Accessed 2 Dec 2021
Einstein A (1905) Über einen die Erzeugung und Verwandlung des Lichtes betreffenden heuristischen Gesichtspunkt. Ann Phys 322:132–148. https://doi.org/10.1002/ANDP.19053220607
Enaganti PK, Dwivedi PK, Srivastava AK, Goel S (2020a) Study of solar irradiance and performance analysis of submerged monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar cells. Prog Photovolt Res Appl 28:725–735. https://doi.org/10.1002/PIP.3264
Enaganti PK, Nambi S, Behera HK et al (2020b) Performance analysis of submerged polycrystalline photovoltaic cell in varying water conditions. IEEE J Photovoltaics 10:531–538. https://doi.org/10.1109/JPHOTOV.2019.2958519
European Commission (2022) REPowerEU plan. Brussels
European Parliament (2018) Directive (EU) 2018/2001. Off. J. Eur. Union
European Parliament (2021) Regulation (EU) 2021/1119. Off. J. Eur. Union
European Parliament C of the EU (2009) DIRECTIVE 2009/28/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 23 April 2009 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources and amending and subsequently repealing Directives 2001/77/EC and 2003/30/EC
European Parliament, Council of the European Union (2022) Regulation (EU) 2022/869. Off. J. Eur. Union.
Farhan AA, Hasan DJ (2021) An experimental investigation to augment the efficiency of photovoltaic panels by using longitudinal fins. Heat Transf 50:1748–1757. https://doi.org/10.1002/HTJ.21951
Feldman D, Ramasamy V, Fu R et al (2020) U.S. solar photovoltaic system and energy storage cost benchmark: Q1 2020
Fernandez D, Cabas R, Moreno L (2007) Ultralight dust wiper mechanism for operation in Mars. Ind Commer Appl Smart Struct Technol 6527:65270E. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.716924
Fraunhofer – ISE (2021) Photovoltaics report. https://www.ise.fraunhofer.de/en/publications/studies/photovoltaics-report.html. Accessed 15 Dec 2021
Fritsche UR, Berndes G, Dale VH, et al (2017) Energy and Land Use. Glob L Outlook Work Pap. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.24905.44648
Fthenakis V, Athias C, Blumenthal A et al (2020) Sustainability evaluation of CdTe PV: an update. Renew Sust Energ Rev 123:109776. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.RSER.2020.109776
González-Peña D, Alonso-deMiguel I, Díez-Mediavilla M, Alonso-Tristán C (2020) Experimental analysis of a novel PV/T panel with PCM and heat pipes. Sustainability 12. https://doi.org/10.3390/SU12051710
Green MA, Dunlop ED, Hohl-Ebinger J et al (2021) Solar cell efficiency tables (version 58). Prog Photovolt Res Appl 29:657–667. https://doi.org/10.1002/PIP.3444
Grubišić-Čabo F, Nižetić S, Čoko D et al (2018) Experimental investigation of the passive cooled free-standing photovoltaic panel with fixed aluminum fins on the backside surface. J Clean Prod 176:119–129. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JCLEPRO.2017.12.149
Gugler K, Haxhimusa A, Liebensteiner M (2021) Effectiveness of climate policies: carbon pricing vs. subsidizing renewables. J Environ Econ Manag 106:102405. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JEEM.2020.102405
Gupta V, Sharma M, Pachauri RK, Dinesh Babu KN (2019) Comprehensive review on effect of dust on solar photovoltaic system and mitigation techniques. Sol Energy 191:596–622. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.SOLENER.2019.08.079
Hadipour A, Rajabi Zargarabadi M, Rashidi S (2021) An efficient pulsed- spray water cooling system for photovoltaic panels: experimental study and cost analysis. Renew Energy 164:867–875. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.RENENE.2020.09.021
Han X, Chen X, Sun Y, Qu J (2020) Performance improvement of a PV/T system utilizing Ag/CoSO4-propylene glycol nanofluid optical filter. Energy 192:116611. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.ENERGY.2019.116611
Heath GA, Silverman TJ, Kempe M et al (2020) Research and development priorities for silicon photovoltaic module recycling to support a circular economy. Nat Energy 57(5):502–510. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41560-020-0645-2
IEA (2019) World Energy Outlook, IEA, Paris. https://www.iea.org/reports/world-energy-outlook-2019
IEA (2020) Projected Costs of Generating Electricity, IEA, Paris. https://www.iea.org/reports/projected-costs-of-generating-electricity-2020
IEA (2021a) World Energy Outlook, IEA, Paris. https://www.iea.org/reports/world-energy-outlook-2021
IEA (2021b) The Role of Critical Minerals in Clean Energy Transitions, IEA, Paris. https://www.iea.org/reports/the-role-of-critical-minerals-in-clean-energy-transitions
IEA (2021c) Database documentation GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS FROM ENERGY 2021 EDITION
IEA (2022), Energy Statistics Data Browser, IEA, Paris https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/datatools/energy-statistics-data-browser
IRENA and IEA-PVPS (2016) “End-of-Life Management: Solar Photovoltaic Panels,” International Renewable Energy Agency and International Energy Agency Photovoltaic Power Systems. ISBN: 978-92-95111-99-8
Jafari R (2021) Optimization and energy analysis of a novel geothermal heat exchanger for photovoltaic panel cooling. Sol Energy 226:122–133. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.SOLENER.2021.08.046
Jäger-Waldau A (2019a) Snapshot of photovoltaics – February 2019. Energies 12. https://doi.org/10.3390/EN12050769
Jäger-Waldau A (2019b) PV status report 2019, EUR 29938. Publ Off Eur Union 85
Jäger-Waldau A, Kougias I, Taylor N, Thiel C (2020) How photovoltaics can contribute to GHG emission reductions of 55% in the EU by 2030. Renew Sust Energ Rev 126. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.RSER.2020.109836
Jakhar S, Soni MS, Gakkhar N (2017) Exergy analysis of a photovoltaic thermal system with earth water heat exchanger cooling system based on experimental data. Int J Exergy 23:367–387. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJEX.2017.086171
Jin Y, Behrens P, Tukker A, Scherer L (2019) Water use of electricity technologies: a global meta-analysis. Renew Sust Energ Rev 115. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.RSER.2019.109391
Jordan DC, Kurtz SR, VanSant K, Newmiller J (2016) Compendium of photovoltaic degradation rates. Prog Photovolt Res Appl 24:978–989. https://doi.org/10.1002/PIP.2744
Kamuyu WCL, Lim JR, Won CS, Ahn HK (2018) Prediction model of photovoltaic module temperature for power performance of floating PVs. Energies 11:447. https://doi.org/10.3390/EN11020447
Kil TH, Kim S, Jeong DH et al (2017) A highly-efficient, concentrating-photovoltaic/thermoelectric hybrid generator. Nano Energy 37:242–247. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nanoen.2017.05.023
Kim J, Rabelo M, Padi SP et al (2021) A review of the degradation of photovoltaic modules for life expectancy. Energies 14:4278. https://doi.org/10.3390/EN14144278
Krauter S (2004) Increased electrical yield via water flow over the front of photovoltaic panels. Sol Energy Mater Sol Cells 82:131–137. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.SOLMAT.2004.01.011
LAZARD (2017) Levelized Cost of Energy 2017. https://www.lazard.com/perspective/levelized-cost-of-energy-2017/. Accessed 10 Dec 2021
Lin RY (2020) Advanced solar power technology-multiple junction photovoltaics. Green Energy Technol:505–527. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-9012-8_22
Liu C, Yang Y, Rakstys K et al (2021) Tuning structural isomers of phenylenediammonium to afford efficient and stable perovskite solar cells and modules. Nat Commun 12:1–9. Article No. 6394. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-26754-2
Lopez-Pascual D, Valiente-Blanco I, Manzano-Narro O et al (2022) Experimental characterization of a geothermal cooling system for enhancement of the efficiency of solar photovoltaic panels. Energy Reports 8:756–763. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2022.10.154
Lu W, Liu Z, Flor JF et al (2018) Investigation on designed fins-enhanced phase change materials system for thermal management of a novel building integrated concentrating PV. Appl Energy 225:696–709. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.APENERGY.2018.05.030
Mahamudul H, Rahman MM, Metselaar HSC et al (2016) Temperature regulation of photovoltaic module using phase change material: a numerical analysis and experimental investigation. Int J Photoenergy 2016. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/5917028
Major JD, Treharne RE, Phillips LJ, Durose K (2014) A low-cost non-toxic post-growth activation step for CdTe solar cells. Nature 511:334–337. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature13435
Mazón-Hernández R, García-Cascales JR, Vera-García F et al (2013) Improving the electrical parameters of a photovoltaic panel by means of an induced or forced air stream. Int J Photoenergy. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/830968
Mazumder MK, Sharma R, Biris AS et al (2011) Electrostatic removal of particles and its applications to self-cleaning solar panels and solar concentrators. Dev Surf Contam Clean Methods Remov Part Contam:149–199. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-1-4377-7885-4.10005-3
Mohandes BMA, El-Chaar L, Lamont LA (2009) Application study of 500 W photovoltaic (PV) system in the UAE. Appl Sol Energy (English Transl Geliotekhnika) 45:242–247. https://doi.org/10.3103/S0003701X09040057
Moharram KA, Abd-Elhady MS, Kandil HA, El-Sherif H (2013) Enhancing the performance of photovoltaic panels by water cooling. Ain Shams Eng J 4:869–877. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.ASEJ.2013.03.005
Nicholson S, Heath G (2021) Life cycle emissions factors for electricity generation technologies. National Renewable Energy Laboratory. https://doi.org/10.7799/1819907
Nižetić S, Čoko D, Yadav A, Grubišić-Čabo F (2016) Water spray cooling technique applied on a photovoltaic panel: the performance response. Energy Convers Manag 108:287–296. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.ENCONMAN.2015.10.079
NREL (2021) Best Research-Cell Efficiency Chart|Photovoltaic Research|NREL. https://www.nrel.gov/pv/cell-efficiency.html. Accessed 13 Dec 2021
Omer KA, Zala AM (2018) Experimental investigation of PV/thermal collector with theoretical analysis. Renew Energy Focus 27:67–77. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.REF.2018.09.004
Perera HDMR (2020) Designing of 3MW floating photovoltaic power system and its benefits over other PV technologies. Int J Adv Sci Res Eng 06:37–48. https://doi.org/10.31695/IJASRE.2020.33782
Raugei M, Fthenakis V (2010) Cadmium flows and emissions from CdTe PV: future expectations. Energy Policy 38:5223–5228. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.ENPOL.2010.05.007
Rosa-Clot M, Tina GM (2018) Photovoltaic electricity. Submerg Float Photovolt Syst:13–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-812149-8.00002-8
Rosa-Clot M, Rosa-Clot P, Tina GM, Scandura PF (2010) Submerged photovoltaic solar panel: SP2. Renew Energy 35:1862–1865. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.RENENE.2009.10.023
Said SAM, Walwil HM (2014) Fundamental studies on dust fouling effects on PV module performance. Sol Energy 107:328–337. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.SOLENER.2014.05.048
Saliba M, Correa-Baena JP, Grätzel M et al (2018) Perovskite solar cells: from the atomic level to film quality and device performance. Angew Chemie Int Ed 57:2554–2569. https://doi.org/10.1002/ANIE.201703226
Sasmanto AA, Dewi T, Rusdianasari (2020) Eligibility study on floating solar panel installation over brackish water in Sungsang, South Sumatra. Emit Int J Eng Technol 8:240–255. https://doi.org/10.24003/EMITTER.V8I1.514
Shirayama M, Kato M, Miyadera T et al (2016) Degradation mechanism of CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite materials upon exposure to humid air. J Appl Phys 119:115501. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4943638
Shittu S, Li G, Zhao X et al (2019) Comparative study of a concentrated photovoltaic-thermoelectric system with and without flat plate heat pipe. Energy Convers Manag 193:1–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2019.04.055
Shmroukh AN (2019) Thermal regulation of photovoltaic panel installed in Upper Egyptian conditions in Qena. Therm Sci Eng Prog 14. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.TSEP.2019.100438
Singh M, Singh J, Anshula et al (2016) Efficient autonomous solar panel and thermo-electric generator (TEG) integrated hybrid energy harvesting system. In: 2016 progress in electromagnetics research symposium, PIERS 2016 – proceedings. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, pp 1764–1768. https://doi.org/10.1109/PIERS.2016.7734785
Steinbuks J, Hertel TW (2013) Energy prices will play an important role in determining global land use in the twenty first century. Environ Res Lett 8:014014. https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/8/1/014014
Suresh Kumar E, Sarkar B (2013) Soiling and dust impact on the efficiency and the maximum power point in the photovoltaic modules. Int J Eng Res Technol 2:1–8
Tao M, Zhenpeng L, Jiaxin Z (2019) Photovoltaic panel integrated with phase change materials (PV-PCM): technology overview and materials selection. Renew Sust Energ Rev 116:109406. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.RSER.2019.109406
Tawalbeh M, Al-Othman A, Kafiah F et al (2021) Environmental impacts of solar photovoltaic systems: a critical review of recent progress and future outlook. Sci Total Environ 759:143528. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2020.143528
Thaib R, Rizal S, Hamdani et al (2018) Experimental analysis of using beeswax as phase change materials for limiting temperature rise in building integrated photovoltaics. Case Stud Therm Eng 12:223–227. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.CSITE.2017.12.005
Touati F, Massoud A, Hamad JA, Saeed SA (2013) Effects of environmental and climatic conditions on PV efficiency in Qatar. Renew Energy Power Qual J 1:262–267. https://doi.org/10.24084/REPQJ11.275
Trapani K, Martens S, Challagulla K et al (2014) Water absorption characterisation, electrical reliability and mechanical testing of a submerged laminated a-Si thin film photovoltaic (PV) cells. Microelectron Reliab 54:2456–2462. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.MICROREL.2014.06.009
Turney D, Fthenakis V (2011) Environmental impacts from the installation and operation of large-scale solar power plants. Renew Sust Energ Rev 15:3261–3270. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.RSER.2011.04.023
USGS (2021) Mineral Commodity Summaries 2021. https://doi.org/10.3133/mcs2021
Valiente-Blanco I, Lopez-Pascual D, Diaz P et al (2022) Efficiency improvement of photovoltaic solar modules by cooling using an underground heat exchanger. J Sol Energy Eng:1–52. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4055299
Verma LK, Sakhuja M, Son J et al (2011) Self-cleaning and antireflective packaging glass for solar modules. Renew Energy 36:2489–2493. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.RENENE.2011.02.017
Wiesenfarth M, Philipps SP, Bett AW et al (2017) Current status of concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) technology
Willuhn M (2020) Not just for outer space: NREL has a path to cheaper GaAs solar cells – pv magazine USA. https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2020/01/13/solar-cells-from-space-are-on-the-way/. Accessed 13 Dec 2021
Wilson GM, Al-Jassim M, Metzger WK et al (2020) The 2020 photovoltaic technologies roadmap. J Phys D Appl Phys 53. https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6463/AB9C6A
Yang LH, De Liang J, Hsu CY et al (2019) Enhanced efficiency of photovoltaic panels by integrating a spray cooling system with shallow geothermal energy heat exchanger. Renew Energy 134:970–981. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2018.11.089
(2013) EU and China agree solar panel price undertaking. Renew Energy Focus 14:6. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1755-0084(13)70085-1
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Section Editor information
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2023 Springer Nature Switzerland AG
About this entry
Cite this entry
Lopez-Pascual, D., Valiente-Blanco, I., Morrison, A.P., Diez-Jimenez, E. (2023). New Solar Photovoltaics Trends Toward Sustainable Development Goals. In: Leal Filho, W., Dinis, M.A.P., Moggi, S., Price, E., Hope, A. (eds) SDGs in the European Region . Implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals – Regional Perspectives. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-91261-1_106-1
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-91261-1_106-1
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-030-91261-1
Online ISBN: 978-3-030-91261-1
eBook Packages: Springer Reference Earth and Environm. ScienceReference Module Physical and Materials ScienceReference Module Earth and Environmental Sciences